Firms lauded for championing CSR and inclusive growth

Corporations that embed social responsibility into their core strategies were recognized during the League of Corporate Foundations’ (LCF) 2025 CSR Guild Awards and CSR Medal of Recognition ceremony, held as a highlight of this year’s CSR Week celebrations. The event honored organizations that have made meaningful contributions to communities while demonstrating how strategic CSR enables innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth.

Held under the theme “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity for Shared Prosperity,” this year’s CSR Week included a conference, expo, and net-zero tree planting activity. It brought together leaders from the private sector, development organizations, and civil society to advance the integration of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into business operations.

LCF Chairperson Shem Jose Garcia commended the efforts of many of the awardees, particularly those who worked with marginalized groups.

“It’s encouraging to see that many of this year’s winners are working closely with marginalized groups – including Indigenous communities and persons with disabilities – truly reflecting this year’s theme of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Garcia said.

“Further, this creates space for collaboration and leveraging our collective strengths, especially in today’s society, where true success goes beyond efficiency and optimization to nurturing people and the communities we affect. That is how we achieve shared prosperity.”

Among the recipients of the 2025 CSR Guild Awards was Ayala Foundation, Inc., recognized in the enterprise development category for its Iraya Mangyan weaving program that supports Indigenous artisans. Vivant Foundation, Inc. was honored for its education initiative, Project Liadlaw, which supplies solar power to off-grid schools.

Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, Inc. received the environment award for its expansion of the MPIC Guardians Program, which supports coastal conservation efforts in Siargao and Mabini.

The Oscar M. Lopez Center for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management Foundation, Inc. was awarded in the disaster resilience category for its inclusive preparedness tools developed for the deaf community.

Aboitiz Foundation, in partnership with the Hedcor Group, won in the arts and culture category for Project Tahi 'Ta, which promotes the revival of traditional textiles. Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. was recognized in two categories – financial inclusion, for its efforts to improve the livelihood and financial literacy of near-shore fishing communities, and health, for the establishment of Sun Barangay Health Stations in remote areas.

The Outstanding CSR Collaboration Project was awarded to Philippine Shell Foundation, Inc., Metrobank Foundation, Inc., and Manila Water Foundation, Inc. for their Roots to Shoots program, a multi-sectoral effort that addresses childhood malnutrition by combining interventions in nutrition, water access, sanitation, and agriculture.

LCF also named several organizations as finalists for their exemplary initiatives. These include Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. and Ayala Foundation, Inc. (Arts and Culture); ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. and Joy-Nostalg Foundation, Inc. (Disaster Resilience); Jollibee Group Foundation, Inc. and Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, Inc. (Education); Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. and Aboitiz Land, Inc., along with Manila Water Foundation, Inc. (Environment); and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. and PLDT-Smart Foundation, Inc. (Enterprise Development).

In addition to its member organizations, LCF honored non-member institutions through the CSR Medal of Recognition, awarded to programs that achieved significant impact across key CSR focus areas. Pioneer Adhesives Foundation, Inc. (PAFI) received recognition in both disaster resilience and education.

In disaster resilience, it was cited for Angat Sining Tibay at Galing (ASTIG), and in education for WRAP in School, a program that promotes waste reduction and environmental awareness among students.

First Gen Corporation was honored for its Threads of Change program, which empowers Indigenous weavers in Jabonga. Fluor Daniel Inc., Philippines received the environment award for its program Commitment to Sustainability: Environmental Stewardship, which focuses on mangrove reforestation, coastal cleanup, and environmental education.

Pascual Laboratories was also recognized for its SEED program, which advocates environmental education and sustainable agriculture. Meanwhile, Juanito I. King Foundation, Inc. was awarded in the health category for Project Healthy Smile, which delivers dental health education and services to underserved children at Bittang Elementary School.

Several organizations were also named finalists in the non-member category, including Fluor Daniel Inc., First Gen Corporation, Rex Education, Philippine Manufacturing Co. of Murata Inc., and Cebu Mitsumi. Special citations were given to Sentinel Upcycling Technologies (Environment), The Teacher’s Gallery, Inc. (Education), and Philippine Manufacturing Co. of Murata Inc. (Health).