Funding for DEI programs to stay, says LCF
Funding for corporate social responsibility projects in the Philippines is expected to continue flowing, amid the continued support for programs focused on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
Citing a recent study from the Boston Consulting Group, the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) highlighted the significant growth of diversity programs in the Philippines over the past several years.
According to the study, 43 percent of Southeast Asian companies, including those in the Philippines, now have diversity initiatives in place, a notable increase from just 26 percent in 2020.
This rise, the LCF said, highlights the growing regional commitment to fostering more inclusive workplaces and reflects a broader shift toward DEI across the region.
This is in stark contrast to the situation in the United States, as the Trump administration has openly attacked DEI programs, with DEI offices, positions and programs in the federal government ordered terminated. Equity-related grants and contracts were likewise terminated.
The Philippines, however, is expected to continue funding these programs as corporate funds for corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects remain intact.
“The Philippines has a very strong [CSR] context,” said Shem Jose Garcia, chair of the LCF, during a press conference in Makati for their upcoming 2025 CSR Expo, scheduled for July 1 to 3.
Garcia noted that this is despite some CSR networks within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) being shut down following the pandemic.
“I think the Philippines has one of the strongest in terms of corporate giving in the Asean region … So, we’re less affected by some of the international grant givers,” he added.
Child development
LCF vice chair Edric Calma also emphasized that this funding strength was particularly evident in programs for early childhood development.
“There are many who are providing opportunities and grants that we wanted, not just from the private sector but also from government agencies,” said Calma.
He said they were exploring ways to harness opportunities and make the most of available resources to create the impact needed in the sector.
To support this growth and elevate CSR excellence, the LCF will host the Guild Honor Awards during their July expo, recognizing outstanding initiatives by its members.
LCF also said it would recognize impactful contributions across seven key thematic areas: arts and culture, disaster resilience, education, environment, enterprise development, financial inclusion and health.
