Sta. Monica Elementary School

On my previous blog, I shared with you how we raised our funds for our CSR project. Last November 18, 2015, Selle, AJ and I went to visit the school for an interview with the principal, teachers and some students.

We also went there to look for a supplier for materials that we are going to use on November 22. With the combined efforts of the class, we were able to purchase the materials needed for the project, costing around Php 14, 500. Since we said that it’s for charity, the owner of the hardware gave discount.

There are two batches that will visit the school; November 22 and 29. Our group went in the November 22 batch. We arrived at 9 am and we finished the elevating of pathway past 7 pm.

It was indeed a great experience for us. Through this CSR activity, we were able to realize how hard it are to become construction workers knowing the extreme physical work they have to endure. It also taught us to have a team work and it became an opportunity for us to know each other. It was indeed a very tiring but fulfilling activity for everyone. It was fulfilling because of the thought that students of Sta. Monica can now wear their shoes again when going to school.

Here is the link to the video that my classmate, Kim Mirasol made for the class.

CSR PROJECT: Sta. Monica Elementary School

For our CSR project, my group mates and I decided to help a school in Hagonoy, Bulacan that was shattered by the typhoon Lando. When we raised our idea, Professor Marasigan told to the whole class about it and she asked the other groups if they want to join us. Then, they taught that it was a good idea to go as a whole class so they decided to join us.

Selle, AJ, Val, Raymond, Christian, Kuya Lino and Ian are the representatives of each group that visited Sta. Monica Elementary School, to check what we could do to help them. Due to floodwaters, some of the armchairs used by the students were damaged. Carpenters were able to repair them but they asked our help if we could repaint these 80 armchairs. On top of that, the principal also asked us if we could assist in elevating the pathway towards the students’ classroom. Sta. Monica is located beside a river, so during high tide the pathway becomes flooded. Students find it hard to walk across the school.

suggested elevated pathway

For us to assist the school needs, we have to raise a fund. For our group, we decided to sell cookies and cupcakes. These are our products:

Other groups would raise their fund through block screening of the movie Spectre, Trivia Night wherein they will organize an event in a restaurant; the other groups will sell Tshirts, yema cake and cosmetics from Rustan’s. Everybody is actively participating with regard to raising funds. Selling was really a challenging part for us but I must say that everyone is really enjoying. Besides, whenever we think that these efforts could improve the school, it really motivates us. Through this activity, we were able to develop patience, teamwork and most especially our marketing skills! Haha! I am excited and we are really looking forward for the success of this project. 

JUSLA for Corporate Social Responsibility

We shall remain steadfast in our commitment to help build a better future for our members and be ready
to overcome challenges

    I am currently working for Judiciary Savings and Loan Association Inc. or JUSLA. JUSLA is a non-stock and non-profit organization that was created to encourage savings among its members and extend financial assistance in the form of loans as the Association may be able to give.

   JUSLA was incorporated in June 25, 1947 as the Court of Appeals Savings & Loan Association, Inc. In 1971 the association filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission an extension of its existence for an additional fifty (50) years from and after June 19, 1967 and expanded its membership to include employees of selected government offices within the City of Manila as Special Members. The name was also changed to Judiciary Savings & Loan Association, Inc. in recognition of the other special members such as Court of Tax Appeals, Department of Justice, Regional Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts and other similar courts.

   We are only a small company that consist of 5 Board of trustees, 6 officers and 13 employees. Upon reviewing our company’s current CSR state, I noticed that we do not have a formal CSR activity. It is only through the employees’ initiative that we are reusing scratch papers. That’s why I have decided that if ever I will propose a CSR activity, first I should educate them. To give at least a little bit of understanding about what is CSR would be a great help. Next is, our company should also continue reusing scratch papers and start segregating our waste from biodegradable and non-biodegradable. Third is, since a lot of members are filing for loan application to pay for their children’s tuition fees, I would like to suggest for Educational Assistance Program. This program will offer an opportunity for the direct dependents of JUSLA members who are intellectually capable but in need of financial assistance to pursue and complete baccalaureate or vocational courses. Non-JUSLA members can also avail of this financial assistance however, with an endorsement of 3 JUSLA members. 

    Our company is really doing well when it comes to providing quality service to our members on their exact time of need. But doing an extra mile like giving an educational assistance to those who are deserving but not capable would be better. A lot of JUSLA members’ dependents are visiting and thanking us. They say that without JUSLA, they won’t able to graduate. Some also said that through us, they became a lawyer. It is very honouring to know that someone is grateful because you helped them. These people are grateful to us to think, we just lend money to their parents. How much more, if we really gave them a financial support without their parents paying for it? Surely, this CSR will cost our company but I believe that we will earn the return on investment which is far greater than money; the trust and loyalty of our members. 

Smaze

     One of the requirements in our Lasalllian Business Leadership, Ethics and CSR is to provide a summary of the news article for the class. I chose the news about the Philippines skies now clear from smaze (combination of smoke and haze). The news says that the country's skies are finally clear of the haze or smaze that drifted from Indonesia's massive forest fires.

     Indonesia is the world's largest producer of palm oil are using the slash and burn method to clear the plantation. They use the slash and burn not only because it's the easiest but also the cheapest way to clear the land. The massive forest fires that Indonesia is facing right now are caused by firms and farmers engaging in illegal slash-and-burn. But this year has been one of the worst due to prolonged dry weather in Indonesia caused by the El Niño.

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/cpsprodpb/AFFC/production/_86325054_029793954-1.jpg

     The raging forest fires in Indonesia are the reason behind the haze that is covering the skies of Indonesia and its neighboring countries Malaysia, Singapore and some parts in the Philippines.  Haze is now causing destruction, schools in Singapore and Malaysia have been shut down and even the flights have been cancelled as people try to avoid the intense smoke. The haze is causing a significant deterioration in air quality, which the government of Indonesia blames for deaths and respiratory illnesses in around 500,000 people.

    Truly, when we abuse nature, it will surely take its toll from us. Let us hope and pray that the slash and burn will be stopped. Let us pray that healing and fast recovery will happen to Indonesia as well as its neighboring countries, Singapore and Malaysia. And most importantly, this should be an eye opener for us. This should serve as a wake-up call to us, that we are stewards of nature and not masters of nature.

Resources:

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/cpsprodpb/AFFC/production/_86325054_029793954-1.jpg

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/26/indonesias-fires-crime-against-humanity-hundreds-of-thousands-suffer

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34265922

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/735181/ph-skies-clear-of-smaze-pagasa

Corporate Social Responsibility

    
  Business dictionary defines CSR or Corporate Social Responsibility as "A company’s sense of responsibility towards the community and environment (both ecological and social) in which it operates. Companies express this citizenship through their waste and pollution reduction processes,by contributing educational and social programs and by earning adequate returns on the employed resources." But why should corporations be socially responsible?

http://www.kevaind.org/images/CSR.jpg

1. It Builds Customer Relations

     Nowadays, companies are engaged in CSR not as a marketing move, but as a long term investment. It can be a challenging part but more businesses are taking that challenge to do good and to take pride in their workplace. Companies are seeing the return on investment as a result because more consumers are motivated to use products or services from companies that makes a difference in their community. However, the main purpose of CSR is not to attract more consumers but to show true commitment in helping other people and taking care for our environment.

2. Innovation

   CSR could also lead to innovation. Take for example of Unilever. Through sustainability, researchers were able to innovate new products such as a hair conditioner that uses less water. Geoff McDonald who is the Unilever Global VP for HR, Marketing, Communications and Sustainability said that "Without sustainability, the company’s research and development efforts possibly wouldn’t have led to such a product."

3. Cost Savings

     By going green means companies would embrace reduce, reuse and recycle. Whether it's paperless transactions or using lesser energy, these savings would add up quickly. CSR can cut company's costs while saving our environment.

4. It Builds Employee Relations

     One of the benefits that a company would get from CSR is creating a positive environment for the employees. Through CSR, employees can build a sense of community and camaraderie which makes them happier and productive.

   Companies become involved in CSR for different reasons. Whatever it is, businesses have the greatest potential in helping the community. This is not to say that CSR is the answer to the world's problem but it would certainly make a big difference.


Resources:
http://www.kevaind.org/images/CSR.jpg
http://www.forbes.com/sites/csr/2012/02/21/six-reasons-companies-should-embrace-csr/
http://www.ibox-security.co.uk/about-us/corporate-social-responsibility-csr/

Caring Organizations

http://fortune.com/best-companies/

     This is the Fortune's list with Great Place to Work for the year 2015. Google ranks no. 1 again for the sixth time. And here's what google employees say:

     They say that employees and members are the heart of the organization. They are the company's most important asset. According to Jim Goodnight, CEO of SAS, "Innovation is the key to success in this business, and creativity fuels innovation". Creativity comes from motivated employees whose ideas produce quality product and services.. When employees are motivated, they keep coming back every morning to start their work with passion. So how can you keep your employees motivated? Here's how:

Sustain a work environment founded on dignity and respect for all employees.

     Employees should receive respect regardless of their position in the company. They should be treated equally and discrimination in age, gender and race should not be promoted in the organization. By doing so, employees will be encourage to share their creative ideas because they know that their opinions are validated.

Make the employees feel their jobs are important.

     According to Dobroski, employees are motivated by the fact that they believe that their work has a positive impact on the lives of others.

Cultivate the full potential of all employees.

     Employees are motivated with the thrill of challenge rather than money or fear of disciplinarian bosses. Companies should keep their employees intellectually engaged and keep their mind stimulated by empowering them with training and self development. Provide your employees with upgraded tools which they can utilized in the workplace.

Encourage individual pursuit of work/life harmony.

     Companies should acknowledge that employees have lives outside the company. Without time off from work, employee gets both bored and boring. Companies should give their employees to time for themselves, with their family, friends and the things they are passionate about so that they will feel recharged after a long tiring week they had.

Enable the well-being of individuals and their families through compensation, benefits, policies and practices.

     It makes a difference when you reward your employees' hard work with benefits and compensation that will surely develop the well being of their families as well.

Develop great bosses who excel at managing people as well as results.

     When it comes to the issue of submission, it's not hard to submit to someone who is willing to lead. That's why, it is very important that bosses are willing to lead their employees and they cannot lead them if they are not equipped with excellent skills. It makes a difference when you know that your boss understands your work because he or she has actually done it. 

Appreciate and recognize the contributions of people who work there.

     Everyone of us likes to feel valued. It is very rewarding when you know that people appreciates and recognize your contributions even in the smallest things. From a free movie ticket for perfect attendance to a reward bonus for hard work would make your employees feel validated.


     This is not to say that companies would never encounter difficulties with employees. That is why companies should also screen their employees. And for employees, if your company does not give benefits like google, still it doesn't give you the license to produce deplorable work. Remember that our work is a worship to God, and when it comes to worship, we give our best all the time.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters"

- Colossians 3:23 

Resources:

http://fortune.com/best-companies/

http://www.sas.com/en_us/company-information/executive-bios/jim-goodnight.html

http://reviews.greatplacetowork.com/google-inc

http://www.inc.com/oscar-raymundo/google-employees-best-place-to-work.html

The Power of Advertising

     Do you remember these? Well, as a kid, I remember that I always ask my father to buy me these products whenever I see them in the commercial. As a young consumer, I am easily persuaded to use them because of the cartoon characters in it. Truly, there is no doubt that advertising has a powerful effect in attracting consumers.

     Commercial advertising is defined as communication between a seller and potential buyer that is publicly addressed to a mass audience and is intended to induce members of this audience to buy the seller’s products. Advertising has a powerful ability to penetrate our thoughts and eventually our behaviors. For example a shampoo advertisement that we girls believe (yes, including me) can make our hair incredibly smooth and straight with just one wash. But after several washes, it’s still the same. Another thing is marketers of a car convince us that having a car can make us feel and look prosperous. For this reason, how many people do you know who are driving cars that they cannot really afford because of the image they want to portray? Here’s another one. We all know that the best and natural way of losing weight is by eating the right amount of healthy foods and exercising daily. Yet, we let the advertising industry convince us those medical methods and diet pills is the key to our dream body.

     As a consumer, our minds are bombarded with myriad of advertisements. Some are informative, some are not. Some we entertain while some are unavoidable. The important thing is we should not exchange common sense living for these sugar-coated commercials. We should not exchange our financial health because of impulse buying. We should filter the advertisements that enter our minds and to purge the negative ones. Through that, I can guarantee you that you will be able to buy the better stuff. =)