CHAPTER III

Corporate Social Responsibility

Universal Robina Corporation's focus is to help improve the quality of life

through building sustainable communities for the less fortunate.

Its most recent philanthropic endeavor is tie-up with Gawad Kalinga to shelter

48 families in Taguig. Dubbed as "Jack 'n Jill Village," 48 houses are currently being

built by employees of URC with the help of those from other JG Summit companies.

Gawad Kalinga aims to see a slum-free, squatter-free nation, and the addition of URC

in its roster of partners will make this goal one step closer to seeing reality.

URC is an ardent advocate of activities centered on the youth. It has partnered

with such organizations as World Vision, Pathways, National Book Development

Board, and Anak TV for projects that ensure the availability of education to

impoverished youngsters. The company also supports projects such as storytelling

sessions, which are spearheaded by public and provincial libraries. Every

Christmas, URC participates in a yearly project with GMA7's Kapuso Foundation, to

spread Yuletide cheer to various groups of disadvantaged youngsters.

Supporting projects that promote value formation in children through giving,

acts of kindness, sharing joys and blessings, and a show of respect and integrity is

an integral part of URC's role as a responsible corporate citizen. This includes

outreach programs, medical missions, feeding programs, donations to areas

afflicted by calamities, livelihood seminars and other undertakings conducted by

various churches, non-profit organizations and Local Government Units. URC is often

in the forefront of activities that serve and improve life in the society at large.

Universal Robina Corporation also supports activities that contribute to

education and youth development. It is because of this advocacy that the company

partnered with Dynamic Teen Company, Inc. (DTC) for one of its philanthropic

endeavors. DTC, an organization headed by 2009 CNN Hero Efren Penaflorida,

exists to promote literacy to the disadvantaged by providing them guidance until

they progress in their career and be productive contributors of society. URC has

been supporting DTC since 2012 through its participation in several projects such as

the Kariton Klasrum, Kariton Revolution, and the sponsorship of the DTC Learning

Center.

Kariton Klasrum all started with the modest kariton (pushcart). Efren

Penaflorida's mobile Kariton Klasrum hits the busy streets with the goal of providing

holistic education, health and values initiative for the out-of-school youth. Volunteers

park their kariton filled with learning materials and sanitation supplies on the streets

and encourage out-of-school youth to participate in the classes.

Helping DTC with this endeavor, URC donated Kantina Kariton mobile snack

carts to DTC. The carts are filled with URC products which are distributed to students

during breaks from their classes.

The Kariton Revolution was brought about by one of its young members, Cris

"Kesz" Valdez. Through this event, DTC celebrates volunteerism and positive
change. The event features different activities such as concerts for teachers,

volunteerism themed contests, parade of karitons and motorcades.

URC has been supporting the Kariton Revolution since 2011. Last 2014, URC's

newly launched Food Trucks joined DTC's push for change in the third year

of Kariton Revolution. URC's Jack 'n Jill and C2 Cool and Clean food trucks gave out

various treats during the Kariton Karavan (Parade of Pushcarts). The recently

launched food trucks along with a sampling booth also offered snacks and drinks

during the event held right after the parade. Now, the Kariton Revolution has

expanded into an alternative classroom program that tackles the 7

Ks: Karunungan (education), Kabataan (youth), Kalusugan (health), Kapayapaan (pea

ce and order), Kalinangan (arts and culture), Kalikasan (environment),

and Kabuhayan (livelihood).

Taking the relationship one step further, URC sponsored the construction of

the 2nd floor of DTC's Red Building. The newly opened area called URC Learning

Center has a classroom fully furnished with chairs, desks, whiteboards, and book

shelves for incoming 9th and 10th grade students. There is also an office where

volunteer teachers can prepare their lessons, as well as a Science laboratory.

Adding more fun and creativity to these new learning spaces are walls adorned with

murals of URC brands such as Refresh, C2 Cool and Clean, Payless Instant Mami and

Jack 'n Jill Knots, Chiz Curls, Magic Flakes, Wafrets, Fun Fries and Roller Coaster.

URC is also committed to ethical, moral and sound business practices in all

aspects of its operations.