LCF sets out priorities for 2023 CSR Expo

Green light for a greener present and future, the 2023 CSR Expo—the much-anticipated annual corporate social responsibility (CSR) event in the country organized by the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF), as part of the nationwide commemoration, of which LCF is the lead, of National CSR Week—is all set for July 4 to 7 at the Makati Diamond Residences and the Palm Drive Activity Center in Makati City. 

The 21st edition of the CSR Expo aims to bring together companies from various sectors–corporate and private foundations, private sector, non-government organizations, civil society, academe, and government agencies–to expand networks, strengthen collaboration, and learn about the latest models, trends, and best practices in CSR. 

“The pandemic has intensified issues of climate change and food security, and the need for disaster-resilient communities. Significant future-ready education for Filipino children has also become a more pressing concern today than ever before.” ~Sebastian C. Quiniones, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the LCF and Executive Director of Pilipinas Shell Foundation

This year’s theme of the CSR Expo, “From Extra to Essential,” acts as a continuation of last year’s theme and is a rallying cry for the business sector to lead and challenge the business sector to fully embody the principles of good corporate citizenship to achieve sustainability through accountable governance and strict compliance with legal requirements. 

“We turn to CSR to help us integrate principles of sustainability and accountability in our everyday work. The 21st CSR Expo is taking last year’s theme forward to emphasize that good and accountable citizenship and environmental stewardship are imperative for organizations to drive change and to achieve long-term sustainability.” ~Shem Jose Garcia, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of LCF and Executive Director of Vivant Foundation

Diverse perspectives 

The 2023 CSR Conference is set from July 4-6 at the Legazpi Ballroom of the Makati Diamond Residences. The Conference will feature a strong speaker panel composed of thought leaders from various industries and sectors to offer diverse perspectives on how to create real value through effective CSR practice and environment, social, and governance (ESG) compliance. 

These include H.E. Juha Markus Pyykko, Ambassador of Finland to the Philippines; Maria Divina De Leon, Principal Technical Expert at Shell International, B.V.; Aleli Arcilla, Vice President and Country Managing Director at Mondelez International; Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, head of the National Economic Development Authority; Ma. Victoria Tan, Chairperson of the Global Compact Network Philippines; and Secretary Rex Gatchalian, head of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. 

The members of LCF organize themselves into various Committees anchored on knowledge-sharing, partnership building and resource-leveraging. Each Committee will organize a Session during the Conference that will take the theme forward in their own contexts and will feature their own set of speakers and unique format specifically chosen to engender audience discussion and thought. Committee Sessions at the 2023 CSR Conference include: Enterprise Development: “Responsible Investing: Driving the ESG Agenda in Enterprise Development”; Environment: “Opportunities and Challenges for Nature-Based Solutions”; Education: “Learning for the Future: the Role of ESG in Education”; and Disaster Resilience: “ESG+R: Think Resilience”.

Recognition of CSR excellence

The awarding ceremonies of the 4th CSR Guild Awards will be awarded on July 6. The Award is conferred on organizations that have developed outstanding CSR projects which created a positive impact to the communities they serve after a rigorous  nomination, screening, and judging process by a panel of judges. There will be eight awards to be bestowed under two major categories: seven Program awards (Arts & Culture, Enterprise Development, Environment, Education, Health, Financial Inclusion, and Disaster Resilience) and one Collaboration Awards that showcases initiatives organized by two or more LCF members or partnerships.

A full-day CSR Exhibit will also be held from July 6-7 at the Glorietta Activity Center, one of the most popular malls in the country, to feature diverse CSR initiatives of various exhibitors, including those organized by LCF non-members, to a large public audience. 

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2023 CSR Expo is slated for a full in-person event to offer unique experiences that are difficult to replicate virtually. 

For more information contact: Christian Sanchez, Communications Officer, League of Corporate Foundations - communications@lcf.org.ph.