Democracy Watch Philippines welcomes the growing participation of the business community in responding to the needs of sectors of our society left most vulnerable by the COVID 19 pandemic. Times of crisis such as this, emphasize the importance of multisectoral action in addressing the complex challenges faced by Filipinos in the midst of this health crisis. The efforts of government, civil society, and the private sector are more effective, efficient and stable than any single sector working alone.
Many in the private sector have responded to the calls of the National Government to provide financial support and alternative work arrangements to their employees in light of the Enhanced Community Quarantine implemented throughout Luzon. But others have also taken a more proactive approach, putting their resources and expertise towards helping vulnerable communities through this challenging time.
Democracy Watch Philippines lauds these proactive efforts, such as the business groups supporting of Project Ugnayan: Aboitiz Group, ABS-CBN/Lopez Group, Alliance Global/Megaworld, AY Foundation and RCBC, Ayala Corporation, Caritas Manila, Century Pacific, Concepcion Industrial Corp, DMCI, Gokongwei Group of Companies/Robinsons Retail Holdings, ICTSI, Jollibee, Leonio Group, Mercury Drug, Metrobank/GT Capital, Nutri-Asia, Oishi/Liwayway Marketing Group, PDRF, PLDT/Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, Puregold, San Miguel Corporation, and SM/BDO, Sunlife of Canada, and Suyen Corp.
“Project Ugnayan is a collaboration with business groups in cooperation with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) to raise funds in support of ongoing initiatives to help poor families that were economically displaced by the ongoing Enhanced Community Quarantine in Metro Manila.” (PDRF)
So far, the groups have raised over P1.5 billion to provide assistance to over 1 Million households in the poor communities of the greater Manila area. The groups is also encouraging other companies to join the effort and expand the coverage of the initiative.
Companies have a duty to be responsible members of society, and we call on more businesses to not only heed the call for nationwide compassion and cooperation, but also demand transparency, commitment and accountability from its partners in both the private and public sector.
Paco Pangalangan
Convenor
Democracy Watch Philippines