PBSP calls on businesses for help

Sun*Star Cebu
Thursday, February 19, 2009

EVEN though the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) implements programs that assist various communities, an official of the group said there is still “more to be done” to help underprivileged Filipinos.

Jose Antonio Aboitiz, chairman of the PBSP Visayas executive committee, said the goup cannot do everything.

“That is why we need everybody’s help,” he told Sun.Star Cebu.

As part of its priority for this year, Aboitiz said PBSP will focus on increasing its membership to be able to expand to more areas and raise more funds.

During the 21st Visayas Annual Membership Meeting last Wednesday, Aboitiz reported that PBSP was able to reach 200,000 Filipinos nationwide under its poverty reduction program. Last year, the Visayas group was able to help 27,000 families.

PBSP has programs related to education, health services, access to clean water, job creation and environmental conservation.

Aboitiz said that at the end of 2008, the PBSP was able to raise about P75.8 million from members’ contributions and P247.6 million from donor agencies.

Last year, PBSP installed potable water sources, provided support for micro, small and medium entrepreneurs for job creation, widened access to family healthcare and upgraded the services of local healthworkers.

In his report, Aboitiz described the PBSP as a “unifying force” in the country’s business community as it implements workable solutions to address poverty, ignorance and environmental concerns.

Aboitiz told member-companies that venturing into social development should remain the priority of businesses.

He said PBSP’s efforts can be measured in the number of people who have benefited from its projects. (DME)