Manila, Philippines — The League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) is taking a bold step forward in promoting inclusive and sustainable growth as it officially launches the 2025 CSR Conference and Expo, anchored on the theme “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity for Shared Prosperity.” The multi-day event will run from July 1 to 3 at Dusit Thani Manila for the conference, while the expo will be held from July 1 to 2 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City.
This year’s conference aims to serve as a powerful platform for the corporate sector to embrace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) not only as part of their CSR efforts but as an essential driver of business innovation and long-term success.
“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.”
Garcia emphasized the importance of intentional inclusion, especially of underrepresented sectors such as women, differently abled individuals, senior citizens, indigenous communities, and people of various faiths and beliefs.The conference will feature thought-provoking discussions, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities that encourage organizations to reimagine their approach to CSR through a DEI lens. This is supported by global insights, including a McKinsey & Company report on embedding DEI into purpose-driven strategies and a Boston Consulting Group study showing a rise in DEI programs among Southeast Asian companies—from 36% in 2020 to 43% in recent years.
Celebrating CSR Excellence
As part of the event, LCF will present the 2025 Guild Awards, recognizing member organizations whose initiatives have significantly impacted their communities.In addition, the Medal of Recognition will be awarded to non-LCF members who have made exceptional contributions across seven thematic areas: Arts and Culture, Disaster Resilience, Education, Environment, Enterprise Development, Financial Inclusion, and Health.
The CSR Expo will showcase innovations and successful models that demonstrate how integrating DEI into core operations and strategies leads to meaningful, community-driven change. It also creates a space for cross-sectoral collaboration among businesses, NGOs, the academe, youth groups, and government agencies.
Spotlight on the LIFE Program
LCF will also feature milestones of its flagship initiative, LIFE (LCF’s Initiative for Food Security, Nutrition, and Empowerment). LIFE aims to reduce child malnutrition in the Philippines by combining nutrition support, livelihood development, and capacity-building efforts.Aligning with the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), the program begins its province-by-province implementation in Basilan
Unified Support for Sustainable Development
The 2025 CSR Conference and Expo is co-presented by Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc., and co-organized with Metro Pacific Investments Corporation Foundation, Inc., The SM Foundation, Henry Sy Foundation, and Felicidad T. Sy Foundation, Inc. It is made possible with the support of BPI Foundation, Manila Water Foundation, Metrobank Foundation, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, and Vivant Foundation, among others.
LCF also extends its gratitude to its wider network of partners, including Energy Development Corporation, Lopez Group Foundation, Jollibee Group Foundation, and other member institutions that continue to champion sustainability and inclusivity.
A Call to Action
With this year’s theme placing DEI at the heart of development, LCF is urging businesses to rethink their CSR models and embrace inclusive practices to achieve broader impact.
“LCF stays committed to promoting responsible CSR,” Garcia added, “helping members and businesses embrace DEI as a key driver of sustainable development in our country.”
Composed of operating and grant-making corporate and family foundations, LCF remains the country’s leading network for advancing environmental, social, and governance (ESG)-driven initiatives through collaborative action and purposeful leadership.
For more updates on the 2025 CSR Conference and Expo, stay tuned here at Wazzup PH.
