CSR beats the unusual in July

While companies worldwide reel from the impact of the global economic meltdown, firms in the Philippines ask if there is room for corporate social responsibility (CSR) in commercially bleak times.

The League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) responds with a resounding “Yes!” as it gets set to hold the 8th CSR Expo from July 9 to 10 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

With the theme “Business Unusual: Skills. Opportunity. Sustainability,” the conference follows through on last year’s successful expo which proclaimed that “CSR is Everyone’s Business.”

“At last year’s expo, leading companies asserted that CSR should be an integral and indispensable part of the business processes,” recalled Ms. Linda Atayde, LCF President. “This year, the CSR Expo takes on the challenge of CSR as Usual despite Business Unusual.” 

“Although corporations are feeling the impact of global financial crisis, they still have a responsibility to be good corporate citizens and extend as much assistance as they can to their respective communities,” added Ms. Malu Erni, LCF Chairperson

“In fact, by helping communities out of dire straits, businesses can help ensure their survival and sustainability,” Ms. Erni added.

Once again, the CSR Expo will feature experts from leading multinational and local companies, academe and civil society partners. This year’s Expo is being organized in partnership with PinoyME and Spain’s Fundacion Codespa.

On July 8, a day before the actual Expo, there will be special exclusive meetings organized in partnership with the Management Association of the Philippines and the ASEAN Foundation.  

Keynoting the event will be world-renowned CSR advocate William Kramer, founder of the Global Challenge Network (GCN), which provides training and education services to corporations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, and civil society organizations, and co-author of “The Next 4 Billion: Business Strategies for the Bottom of the Pyramid,”. Before he started GCN, Mr. Kramer served with various non-profit organizations where he focused on enterprise development.

The 8th CSR Expo will also showcase a trade fair of products from various small enterprises, and exhibits of CSR programs and enterprise development projects of corporate foundations, trade associations, NGO partners, and community-based groups. Additionally, there will be lectures on entrepreneurial skills development at the exhibit proper.

For inquiries and registration, contact TeamAsia at 757-3500 local 327, or e-mail CSRExpo2009@teamasia.com.  For updates, please visit www.teamasia.com/events/LCF2009.

For more details please contact:

Jerry Bernas

Executive Director

League of Corporate Foundations

jerry@lcf.org.ph

or 

Konrad Tolentino

Samahan para Sa Makabuluhang Balita

ten2089@yahoo.com