As the International Day of Charity approaches, it is crucial to highlight the outstanding efforts of organizations and individuals who are actively engaged in charitable activities. These acts of kindness not only help those in need but also inspire others to make a positive impact on their communities. Among our esteemed partners, Seaoil Philippines and Ms. Gay Santos, stand out for their exceptional commitment to philanthropy. Through their various initiatives, they exemplify the importance of corporate social responsibility and individual contributions towards creating sustainable change.

Seaoil Philippines: Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Agriculture

One of our esteemed partners is Seaoil Philippines. Renowned for its diverse range of fuel products from automobile gasoline to industry-specific lubricants, and services from storage and shipping to catering. However, their dedication to corporate social responsibility extends far beyond their business endeavors. One remarkable example of their charitable work is the Sustainable Agriculture training conducted in two schools in Bangar, La Union in June 2023. This program was aimed at educating parent volunteers and other participants on sustainable farming technologies for vegetable crop production. By promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices, Seaoil Philippines not only helps protect the environment but also empowers community members to generate their food sustainably. Moreover, this initiative resulted in the rehabilitation of 143 undernourished children from both schools, effectively addressing their nutritional needs and improving their overall well-being.

SEAOIL Philippines, Inc., through its corporate foundation, SEAOIL Foundation, Inc., extends their commitment to philanthropy further with their Tugon sa Gutom Program. This initiative is a household-level food security program aimed at improving food security and nutrition for nutritionally-at-risk families and households. The program trains households in sustainable agriculture and provides technical assistance in setting up family farms. These farms teach households to produce vegetables using organic pesticides and fertilizers, as well as vertical and container gardening techniques. 

Households typically produce pakbet vegetables, such as pechay, okra, eggplant, squash, and string beans, on their family farms. The program has resulted in savings and income for households, with 76.5% of the total savings coming from the produce consumed at home. The remaining 23.5% comes from selling excess produce. The excess produce is allocated for household expenses, including cooking ingredients and health maintenance.

Seaoil Foundation Inc. (SFI) also used the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) to determine the extent of food insecurity at the household level, showing improvements from an average score of 12.5 (Moderately Food Insecure) to 7.5 (Mildly Food Insecure) after 6 months of implementing the family farms. To date, 2,139 households are engaged in the Tugon sa Gutom Program in 3 cities and 5 municipalities. These outcomes reflect Seaoil's unwavering dedication to making a lasting impact on both individuals and communities.

Ms. Gay Santos: Leading the Way Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Philanthropy

The following statements are based on Gay Santos’s own views and do not represent views of any of the organizations mentioned in this section

In addition to partnering with organizations such as Seaoil Philippines, UnionBank GlobalLinker collaborates with individuals who demonstrate remarkable passion and dedication to philanthropy. One such individual is Gay Santos, whose unique perspective on charity revolves around leading individuals and families towards sustainable and resilient paths. Gay actively supports causes related to inclusion and engages in impactful endeavors to uplift marginalized communities.

As an individual donor to organizations like World Vision, Gay contributes not only financially but also lends her voice and support to initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity. Furthermore, she serves as a Trustee of the Global Spectrum Initiative, an organization advocating for individuals in the spectrum of Autism. By actively participating in such initiatives, Gay plays a pivotal role in creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Moreover, Gay's commitment to making a difference extends to her full-time position at water.org, an organization that focuses on providing safe water and sanitation access to those in need. By working diligently to address one of the most fundamental human needs, Gay enriches the lives of countless individuals and communities.

Ms. Gay Santos

Seaoil and Gay Santos exemplify the true spirit of charitable giving. Their strong commitment to addressing societal challenges and empowering communities showcases the impact that corporate social responsibility and individual philanthropy can have in creating sustainable change. As UBGL collaborates with these inspiring partners, we are proud to support their endeavors and encourage others to follow in their footsteps on the International Day of Charity and beyond. By working together, we can build a more compassionate and inclusive world.

Calling Businesses to Join Us in Making an Impact

At UBGL, we believe that collaboration is key to creating a significant and lasting impact on local communities. We invite businesses who are passionate about corporate social responsibility and making a difference to join us. By partnering with us, together, we can empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and uplift our local communities.

If you would like to explore partnership opportunities, please reach out to Natasha via email at natasha@grover.sg. Our team is ready to discuss how we can collaborate to make a positive difference.

Let's join forces and work together in supporting SMEs and our local communities. Together, we can create a better future for all.

Image Source: Canva

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views, official policy, or position of GlobalLinker.