Dr. How explains the principle: “To us, using corporate resources to transform lives and communities is more than just a corporate social responsibility — it is our responsibility,” she points out.
UHI allocates a budget based on how much is required for the company to fulfill its commitments to the beneficiaries of its CSR programs. The budget varies from year-to-year and does not have a set cap.
Over the years, the company’s CSR programs have been focused on education, training, technical assistance, and farmer-business opportunity matching initiatives. These programs have already benefited some 8 million Filipino farmers.
“It is also part of our social responsibility to make sure that the farmers are exposed to the latest trends in agriculture technology,” Dr. How says. This is the reason behind UHI’s Study Tours and Exchange Programs, where farmers are brought to various parts of the Philippines and Asia to observe best farming practices.
“The exercise of corporate social responsibility also mandates that we continue to expand the awareness and involvement of people and organizations in the pursuit of our social mission,” Dr. How points out.
