LCF champions D.E.I.-driven growth among businesses, launches 2025 CSR Conference and Expo
MANILA, Philippines — The League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) urges businesses to go beyond traditional corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives by integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) into their growth strategies. To help drive this shift, LCF launches the 2025 CSR Conference and Expo, providing a platform for corporate leaders to collaborate, innovate, and advance sustainable growth.
The Conference will be held from July 1 to 3 at Dusit Thani Manila, while the Expo will take place from July 1 to 2 at Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City. With the theme, "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity for Shared Prosperity,” it highlights the vital role of businesses in embedding DEI into their core strategies, transforming CSR into a catalyst for systemic change, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
"Integrating DEI into business strategies is not only about corporate responsibility," said Shem Jose Garcia, Chairperson of LCF and Executive Director of Vivant Foundation, Inc. "Businesses that prioritize DEI do more than adapt, they lead. By embedding DEI into their core strategies, they unlock new opportunities, drive meaningful change, and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for all. This includes intentional efforts to uplift underrepresented groups, particularly women, persons who are differently abled. senior citizens, and indigenous people.”
Building on this, Edric Calma, Vice Chairperson of LCF and Vice President of Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc., emphasized the importance of inclusive growth through DEI. “While the Philippine economy continues to grow, many of our fellow Filipinos still struggle with inequality, limited access to opportunities, and disproportionate exposure to social and environment risks. LCF believes that to ensure economic progress benefits everyone, especially the most vulnerable—there is a need for DEI.” said Calma.
McKinsey & Company emphasizes that DEI should go beyond representation and be embedded in a purpose-driven strategy to drive inclusive leadership, innovation, and long-term success. A Boston Consulting Group study found that 43% of Southeast Asian companies, including those in the Philippines, now have diversity programs which shows an increase from 36% in 2020, reflecting growing regional commitment.
Attendees of the 2025 CSR Conference and Expo can look forward to thought-provoking discussions, networking opportunities, and actionable insights on integrating DEI into both CSR initiatives and overall business operations.
Recognizing Outstanding CSR Initiatives
As part of LCF's commitment to elevating CSR excellence, the 2025 Guild Awards will honor outstanding initiatives of its members that have significantly impacted communities. These awards will be presented during the 2025 CSR Conference and Expo, highlighting best practices in corporate social responsibility. Additionally, the Medal of Recognition will celebrate the impactful interventions of non-members. This special award acknowledges businesses that have made a difference across seven thematic areas: Arts and Culture, Disaster Resilience, Education, Environment, Enterprise, Development, Financial Inclusion, and Health.
The Expo will showcase CSR innovations that highlight how the tight integration of DEI into core organizational strategies has brought about change for the better for their beneficiaries providing a space for businesses, NGOs, academe, youth groups, and government agencies to engage and collaborate. LCF will also highlight key milestones of its flagship effort called "LCF's Initiative for Food Security, Nutrition, and Empowerment" or LIFE at the Expo. LIFE combines nutrition support, livelihood programs, and local capacity-building to combat child malnutrition. Through targeted interventions, LCF aims to reduce stunting among Filipino children.
In line with the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), LIFE takes a province-by-province approach, starting with Basilan, where it is working alongside the provincial government and key stakeholders.
The 2025 CSR Conference and Expo is co-organized with Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation and co-presented with SM Foundation, Inc., Henry Sy Foundation, Inc., and Felicidad T. Sy Foundation, Inc. It is also made possible through the support of Vivant Foundation and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, with special thanks to Jollibee Group Foundation and Security Bank Foundation. These and other partners help foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing on sustainability and inclusivity.
Enhancing CSR Practice for an Equitable Future
Through the 2025 CSR Conference and Expo, LCF calls on businesses to take action, rethink their CSR strategies, and champion DEl-driven growth to create lasting impact. "LCF stays committed to promoting responsible CSR, helping members and businesses embrace DEI as a key driver of sustainable development in our country,'" added Garcia.
LCF, composed of 99 operating and grant-making corporate and family foundations, is the Philippines' leading network for fostering environmental, social, and governance driven initiatives.