PHILANTHROPIES FOR SOCIETY
HIGH net worth individuals and conglomerates continued to play a pivotal role in driving philanthropy forward, investing in initiatives that promoted inclusivity, equity and sustainability.
As social impact leaders, driven by compassion and generosity, they illuminated the path toward a brighter and more equitable future for all Filipinos. The spirit of philanthropy continued to run deep within the veins of Filipino culture, threading its way through history and into the modern era.
From the ancient concept of bayanihan (community cooperation) to the contemporary works of corporate giants and individual luminaries, philanthropy remained a cornerstone of positive change.
Exemplary figures and corporations
Henry Sy Sr., also known as "Tatang," had an indelible impact on the landscape of Philippine philanthropy. As the founder of SM Investments Corp., he was not only a business titan, but also a symbol of compassion and generosity.
Sy used his wealth and resources to help underprivileged communities and promote sustainable development through the SM Foundation, which he founded in 1983.
At the heart of Sy's philanthropic endeavors lay a steadfast commitment to education, health care and community development. Recognizing the transformative power of education, he launched the SM College Scholarship Program in 1993, providing opportunities for thousands of deserving scholars to pursue their dreams.
Over the years, this program has expanded to include technical-vocational scholarships, offering a pathway to success for indigent high school graduates.
The SM Foundation's impact extended beyond the realm of education. Sy's vision encompassed the construction of public schools for the underprivileged, including contributing to landmark institutions such as De La Salle University (DLSU), the University of the Philippines and Far Eastern University (FEU).
In 1991, the foundation collaborated with IBM to establish Asia Pacific College, furthering access to quality education in the Philippines. Additionally, FEU, Sy's alma mater, benefited from his philanthropy, exemplifying his dedication to give back to the institutions that shaped his journey.
Sy's philanthropic legacy also encompassed health care, shelter, disaster response, farmers' training and environmental programs. In the aftermath of Typhoon "Yolanda" (international name "Haiyan") in 2016, the SM Foundation stepped up to the plate, building 1,000 houses for survivors and providing much needed assistance to affected communities.
Continuing Sy's legacy of philanthropy was Teresita Sy-Coson, his daughter and vice chairperson of SM Investments Corp. Under her leadership, the SM Foundation has remained at the forefront of social impact, supporting education, health care, livelihood programs and environmental sustainability initiatives. Sy-Coson's unwavering commitment to her father's vision underscored the enduring legacy of compassion and generosity that defined the SM Foundation.
Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chief executive officer (CEO) of Ayala Corp., led philanthropic endeavors through the Ayala Foundation. With Ayala Corp.'s banking arm, the Bank of the Philippine Islands, he supported education, entrepreneurship, environmental conservation and community development, emphasizing corporate social responsibility.
Ayala emphasized, "Reflecting on Ayala's 190-year legacy, we're committed to [foster] thriving communities by investing in renewable energy, health care and logistics."
Ayala Group prioritized creating a sustainable electric vehicle ecosystem for Filipino mobility, ensuring inclusive growth through significant investments in health care and education.
Meanwhile, Lucio Tan, founder of LT Group Inc., championed philanthropy, focusing on education, health care and poverty alleviation. Tan's contributions extended to infrastructure development such as donating land for road construction in Cabuyao, Laguna.
This initiative aimed to alleviate traffic congestion, fostering local economic growth and commerce. Additionally, Tan oversaw the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, dedicated to environmental protection, wildlife conservation and food security. Through these efforts, Tan demonstrated a commitment in addressing societal needs and fostering sustainable development.
ESG philanthropy
In the realm of environmental, social and governance (ESG) philanthropy in the Philippines, notable figures and organizations have emerged as leaders in driving sustainable development. Ramon Ang, president and CEO of San Miguel Corp. (SMC), was actively engaged in various ESG initiatives, focusing on sustainable energy projects, environmental conservation and community development.
Ang emphasized the importance of addressing climate change impact on business operations, advocating for aggressive energy transition strategies and carbon footprint reduction. SMC's sustainability road map aimed to enhance flood management, improve water quality and promote safer navigation in rivers across the Philippines.
Manuel Pangilinan, chairman of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), stood out as a philanthropist in the energy sector. Through investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, Pangilinan contributed to sustainable development efforts.
His foundation supported programs enhancing energy access and community empowerment while also donating significantly to education, health care and disaster relief.
Pangilinan's dedication to social responsibility has earned him recognition, including the prestigious Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (For the Church and the Pontiff) commendation from the Pope.
Under Pangilinan's leadership, MPIC was strategically positioned to expand investments in renewable energy, leveraging cost-efficient technologies to provide clean power to communities. MPIC and its subsidiaries have made significant strides in integrating renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, into their operations and infrastructure.
Through collective action, Pangilinan and his consortium alliance of foundations and companies have implemented impactful initiatives, spanning disaster response, health care, education and community outreach.
This collective commitment reflected a dedication in making a positive difference in society, inspiring others to foster kindness and generosity, and meaningful change within corporate and community spheres alike.
Andrew Tan, chairman and CEO of Alliance Global Group Inc., integrated ESG principles into corporate strategy and philanthropy. Through the Andrew Tan Foundation and other charitable endeavors, he supported environmental sustainability, social welfare and good governance with a focus on education, health care and poverty alleviation.
Recognizing the challenges faced by underprivileged Filipinos, Tan established the Megaworld Foundation in 1997. His vision aimed to provide quality education opportunities to financially disadvantaged students, empowering them for success.
Through various initiatives, he actively contributed to building brighter futures for youth and empowering marginalized communities across 15 out of the 18 regions in the Philippines.
Tan emphasized the transformative power of education, stating, "Giving a person of humble birth the opportunity to be educated is giving him the chance to change his life for the better."
In line with this, Megaworld Foundation's flagship scholarship program annually supported 1,000 deserving students from elementary to college, covering tuition, fees and allowances.
Graduates were also provided opportunities within Megaworld and its affiliates. Over 2 decades, Megaworld Foundation has nurtured thousands of young scholars, emphasizing not only academic, but also moral education.
Tan believed in their potential for greatness and provided additional support through values-driven leadership seminars. Furthermore, his commitment to nation-building extended to tourism development, highlighted by the establishment of the Asian Institute of Management Dr. Andrew L. Tan Center for Tourism.
In collaboration with various partners, Megaworld Foundation worked to enhance educational access and infrastructure nationwide. Initiatives such as school boats and mobile classrooms ensured that education reached even the most remote communities, showcasing Tan's commitment to community engagement.
Partnerships with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Gawad Kalinga provided homes to homeless families, instilling hope for a better future.
Aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, Megaworld Foundation was dedicated to create lasting change through access to quality education and strategic partnerships. With a unified commitment to serve, the entire Megaworld community supported the foundation's mission toward a sustainable future.
Commitment to give back
Enrique Razon Jr., chairman of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), was renowned for his philanthropic endeavors in the Philippines, spanning education, sports and health care. Since 2003, Razon has been a significant benefactor of DLSU, initially contributing to the university's sports development program.
This support culminated in the establishment of the Enrique M. Razon Sports Center in the Manila campus. As an alumnus of La Salle Greenhills, Razon has also extended his assistance to the university's basketball team through sponsorship by ICTSI
Commending DLSU for its forward-thinking educational approach, especially amid global challenges such as supply chain disruptions, caused by the pandemic, Razon highlighted the university's commitment to innovation.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Enrique K. Razon Jr. (EKR) Hall stood as a testament to DLSU's dedication to advancing higher education and contributing to the country's economic development through the logistics institute.
The forthcoming EKR Hall would serve as a state-of-the-art facility, housing the Enrique K. Razon Jr. Logistics Institute (ERLI), established in 2018 to provide research and training programs in corporate supply chain and logistics.
Equipped with modern amenities and flexible learning spaces — including executive offices, research facilities and digital learning commons — the hall was poised to revolutionize learning and logistics operations at DLSU.
Bernard Oca, president of DLSU, expressed gratitude to Razon for his unwavering support, emphasizing how ERLI's advancements have reshaped the logistics landscape. The EKR Hall was expected to maximize efficiencies and foster opportunities for students, faculty and researchers alike, further enhancing the university's contributions to academia and industry.
Razon was honored with an honorary Doctor of Science in Logistics in 2019 for his remarkable contributions, marking a significant milestone in his philanthropic journey. The establishment of the Enrique K. Razon Jr. Hall at the DLSU Laguna campus symbolized his enduring commitment to education and his vision for a brighter future for generations to come.
Vivian Que Azcona, chairman of the Mercury Drug Foundation Inc. (MDFI), spearheaded ESG initiatives, spanning health care, education and environmental sustainability.
After a pandemic induced hiatus, MDFI revived Operation Bigay Lunas on March 1, 2024, coinciding with Mercury Drug's 79th founding anniversary. This initiative provided free consultations, medicines and health care services to 19,776 individuals across 32 cities and municipalities nationwide.
The success of this endeavor was made possible by robust support from MDFI's business partners, collaboration with local government units, and the voluntary service of Mercurians, pharmacy students, faculty members and health professionals.
Beyond immediate disaster relief, MDFI extended support to government rehabilitation programs, aiding affected families in rebuilding their lives post-calamities or conflicts. This assistance mitigated disease risks and facilitated community recovery in critical areas.
Through Operation Pa-Tubig, in collaboration with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), MDFI ensured access to clean potable water in waterless communities. This program enhanced health, sanitation and living conditions, enabling efficient and safe water provision.
The involvement of beneficiary communities in project management ensured the sustainability of water systems with PBSP providing training and capacitation for community organizations.
Since its establishment in 2001, Operation Pa-Tubig has positively impacted numerous communities nationwide with ongoing efforts to identify and support additional waterless areas. These initiatives underscored MDFI's commitment to enhance access to essential resources and elevate the quality of life for vulnerable communities.
Tony Tan Caktiong, the founder and chairman of Jollibee Foods Corp., was renowned for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting education, health care and disaster relief initiatives through the Jollibee Group Foundation and other charitable endeavors.
One notable program spearheaded by the Jollibee Group Foundation was the Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP), aimed at empowering smallholder farmers to enhance their livelihoods by directly supplying institutional markets such as the Jollibee Group.
Recognizing the challenges faced by farmers, including limited access to technology and business development services, the foundation collaborated with various stakeholders to provide support and foster trust within the value chain.
To address these challenges, close cooperation among different stakeholders — including local government units, nongovernmental organizations, financial institutions, academic institutions and farmers themselves — was essential. Within the Jollibee Group, multiple business units collaborated to strengthen inclusive business practices and ensure that farmers receive the necessary assistance to thrive.
For instance, the Jollibee Group Foundation worked with experts, seed companies and internal teams to identify suitable crop varieties and set internal targets to prioritize purchases from FEP farmers. This collaborative approach aimed to increase crop volume and quality while supporting farmers in meeting market requirements.
In addition to agricultural initiatives, the Jollibee Group was actively involved in disaster response and relief efforts through its FoodAID program. Since 2013, the company has provided immediate food assistance to communities affected by disasters, including the Covid-19 pandemic.
Leveraging its expertise in food production and distribution, the Jollibee Group has distributed millions of meals and food products to disaster-stricken areas, demonstrating its commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Philanthropy remained integral to Filipino culture with prominent figures and corporations playing a significant role in driving positive change and promoting sustainable development across the nation.
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