Championing DEI and Grassroots Innovation at the 2025 CSR Expo

The 2025 CSR Expo was a celebration of purpose-driven leadership, inclusive development, and impactful innovation. Spearheaded by the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF), this year’s conference brought together change-makers from both the public and private sectors, highlighting how collaborative efforts can drive sustainable nation-building.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, underscored the critical role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in building a more just and empowered society. As a long-time advocate of gender rights and social justice, Senator Hontiveros emphasized that inclusive practices must be at the core of policymaking, development programs, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Echoing this message, Shem Jose Garcia, Chairperson of LCF and Executive Director of Vivant Foundation, Inc., stressed the importance of acknowledging how overlapping identities—such as gender, income, ethnicity, and ability—shape individuals' access to opportunities. His call to action highlighted the need for nuanced, intersectional approaches to CSR that go beyond surface-level diversity and directly address systemic barriers faced by vulnerable communities.

One powerful example of inclusive innovation was the LIFE Program’s BLT Community Kitchen in Basilan, which stood out among the featured initiatives. The kitchen serves Muslim-friendly, nutritious meals to underserved communities, showcasing how culturally sensitive solutions can meet both practical and social needs. Beyond food security, the initiative promotes community participation, dignity, and empowerment—core values of DEI in action.

The Expo also spotlighted grassroots innovations through interactive booths and immersive experiences hosted by LCF member foundations and partners. These displays brought to life impactful programs in education, health, the environment, and disaster resilience, demonstrating how community-based solutions can scale when backed by committed organizations.

A key highlight of the Expo was the CSR Guild Awards, which recognized outstanding initiatives across a range of categories.

Among the awardees:

• Ayala Foundation, Inc. (Enterprise Development) was honored for the Iraya Mangyan Weaving Program, which uplifts indigenous artisans and preserves cultural heritage.

• Vivant Foundation, Inc. (Education) received recognition for Project Liadlaw, which brings solar energy to off-grid schools, enhancing access to education.

• Aboitiz Foundation, in partnership with the Hecdor Group (Arts and Culture), was lauded for Project Tahi 'Ta, an initiative that revives traditional Filipino textiles.

The CSR Medal of Recognition also spotlighted outstanding contributions from non-member organizations:

• Pioneer Adhesives Foundation, Inc. (Disaster Resilience) for ASTIG, a program merging art and disaster readiness.

• Fluor Daniel Inc., Philippines (Environment) for their mangrove reforestation and coastal cleanups under Commitment to Sustainability.

• Juanito I. King Foundation, Inc. (Health) for Project Healthy Smile, offering dental care to underserved schoolchildren.
  

The CSR Guild Awards continue to serve as a powerful reminder that strategic, inclusive, and values-driven CSR can uplift entire communities and redefine the role of business in society. This year’s Expo affirmed that when equity meets innovation, real transformation happens at the grassroots.