LGFI President Rafael M. Alunan IIIIn the 4th National Conference on Population, Health and Environment (PHE) in General Santos City, conference sponsor Lopez Group Foundation Inc. (LGFI) was a signatory in a covenant which committed to explore PHE links in developing climate change adaptation measures and address these in development programs; and advocate population policies and actions that match the country’s resources.

The signatories also committed to support best models in ecosystem-based adaptation for security in food, water, health, culture and biodiversity through public-private partnerships; and intensify documentation of initiatives that demonstrate evidence of PHE links and sustain media advocacy to promote broader awareness and collective action.

LGFI president Rafael M. Alunan III narrated the CSR initiatives of the Lopez Group usually being undertaken “in partnership with the national and/or local governments, NGOs, the private sector, academe, various development actors and donor institutions even before public-private partnership or PPP became a byword.”

He gave as examples the Family Planning in the Workplace program, the Lopez Lifelong Wellness project, Bantay Kalikasan, ABS-CBN’s Pasig River rehab and Energy Development Corporation’s watershed management and BINHI reforestation projects, among others.

Alunan also showed how mobilizing multi-stakeholder partnerships is needed to drive home the message that the welfare of society and the environment is a shared responsibility. The LGFI president cited the first commitment of the Magna Carta’s 10 commitments of the Lopez CSR family. This, in effect, defines what we do and who we are: “CSR is human and ecological security integrated with business excellence. It is caring for people and the planet as much as the business to ensure a sustainable future. In this regard, we rededicate ourselves to national development exemplified by our continued investments in education, responsible media, clean energy, poverty reduction, environmental protection,health and wellness, population management and humanitarian assistance.”