For
many companies, it’s not
enough to make money and satisfy customers. Service to local communities
is also part of the company agenda, and they involve their employees in
outreach programs. These companies often go the extra
mile to give a little something back to their employees, the community,
and the
world at large. They’ve developed solid reputations for going out and
doing
some good, turning their success into an opportunity to help others.
For a long time, businesses have given back to society in different
ways. The domain for such outreach was based more on concerns and
thoughtfulness to help people. For some companies, business
isn’t all about the bottom line. They make strides to be a caring part of
society and help out those who live in less fortunate circumstances. They’re
companies that know how important Corporate Social Responsibility can be to
others.
Chevron Philippines is one of
the few examples of those doing Corporate Social Responsibility right. Every
year, Chevron Philippines embarks in a program dubbed "Week of Caring,
wherein employees of the company engage communities as volunteers. For the second
time, the employee-volunteers of Chevron reached out once again the children of
Nayon ng Kabataan (in Mandaluyong City), a youth welfare community operated by
the Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD).
During its Week of Caring
program, Chevron employees went to Nayon ng Kabataan to play as “big brothers”
to the children of Welfareville --- playing Larong Pinoy, the traditional
Filipino Street Games. As coach and
playmates, they ran and vigorously played with the children: games like,
patintero, luksong tinik, luksong baka, chinese garter, piko, and other Pinoy
games.
The choice of Larong Pinoy as
an activity aims
to provide a light, fun interaction between the Chevron employees and the kids
at Nayon ng Kabataan. The organizers of
the Chevron outreach program recognizes the power of Larong Pinoy as a strong
vehicle for community engagement and interaction. The traditional Filipino street games is a
cultural treasure, well-loved by many Filipinos even today. Many people are still unable to own high-tech
game gadgets, computers, or smartphones with game applications; thus, Larong
Pinoy is still a fun alternative among many of the children.
Having a social good culture makes your employees know they are
working for something that is bigger than themselves; their business is not one
dimensional and more importantly, it cares about people. There are new breed of corporate individuals who
believe that what you put into the world is exactly what you’re going to get
out of it. People want to do things that matter; companies that encourage
employees to participate in volunteerism and giving back are creating
fulfilling environments to work in.
CSR to be meaningful has to reach out to the large majority of our
people who are not only without purchasing power, but are fundamentally
deprived of basic livelihood. There are companies stand out as prime
examples of how social responsibility can be productively coupled with sound
strategies to advance goodwill, while building sustainable and impressive
businesses. They provide the leadership to demonstrate how marketers can pursue
both objectives simultaneously. As such, socially conscious companies have
stepped up their efforts with increasing effectiveness and productivity. It is
an impressive movement and one that invites society at large to do even more.
Magna Kultura Foundation salutes Chevron Philippines for making
Larong Pinoy their choice of activity for engaging communities. The interaction between the employees of Chevron
and children of Nayon ng Kabataan will last a lifetime of remembrance.
For organizations who would like to conduct a Larong Pinoy program
in schools, barangays, or for private companies, contact Magna Kultura
Foundation.
Contact DICKIE AGUADO, Executive Director - Magna Kultura
Foundation:
Cellular Phone Nos.: +63 917 8990025 (Globe) or +63 922 8990026
(Sun)
Landline Tel No. (632) 514-5868
Email Address: kulturapilipinas@gmail.com
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