PBSP Visayas has 11 new members

PBSP Visayas has 11 new members
By Ma. Bernadette A. Parco
Cebu Daily News
March 11, 2010


THE Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in the Visayas yesterday inducted 11 new members, its biggest number in recent history.

“As in any organization, membership is its lifeblood. It is considered a success to be able to attract new members,” said Jose Levi Villanueva, head of the membership committee.

“This year we have the most number of new members.”

The ll new members were presented during the 22nd annual meeting at the Casino Español in Cebu City.

They include Bohol Resort Development Inc., Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa on Mactan Island and Victoria Hard Rock Resort in San Remegio, Golden Prince Hotel and Suites, Qualfon Philippines Inc., Sun Star Publishing Inc., Vivant Corp., and Dumaguete City Development Bank

PBSP’s membership nationwide has reached 261, with 71 member-companies based in the Visayas.

Villanueva recalled that the task of recruiting new members was difficult.

“Eight years ago, we would induct only one or two members at a time,” he said.

New members were presented a plaque after signing a commitment of support.

The PBSP is a private and non-profit organization that promotes corporate social responsibility. Member-companies are required to allot a portion of their income for social development.

The new members also commit to support, among others, as a “private enterprise, by creatively and efficiently utilizing capital, land and labor, generates employment opportunities, expands the economic capabilities of our society and improves the quality of our national life.”

At the same meeting the PBSP's first coffee table book entitled “A Better Life: Stories of Corporate Social Responsibility,” was presented.

Eileen Mangubat, Cebu Daily News publisher and member of the PBSP Visayas executive committee, said the book shows the CSR efforts of 32 Philippine companies operating in the region.

Book proceeds will go to reforestation projects of PBSP in the Central Cebu Protected Landscape, which is Metro Cebu's source of water.

“These stories and images are about ordinary people - farmers and fisherfolk, youths, workers and small entrepreneuers - who made extraordinary changes in their lives. Their stories make the book not just a testimonial but a source of inspiration. We hope the contents provoke you to join us in taking positive action,” she said.

The book cover shows a wooden boat paddle, said Mangubat. “It stamps the identity of the Visayas for the book.”

The colored paddles within its pages represent the projects of PBSP on livelihood and enterprise (orange), education (yellow), health (blue) and the environment (green).