Insider Spotlight
The organization is a network of operating and grant-making corporate foundations and corporations in the Philippines. Since its formation in 1991, LCF has been at the forefront of promoting and enhancing CSR practices among its members and the broader business community. It was officially registered with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission on Aug. 26, 1996.
At a press launch on April 16, LCF unveiled the theme for its 2026 CSR Conference and Expo—“Adapt. Align. Accelerate.”—signaling a shift toward more strategic, measurable, and collaborative approaches to social impact.
Why it matters
The push comes as businesses face mounting pressure to respond to overlapping crises, including rising living costs, climate-related disasters, and persistent poverty. LCF argues that traditional, one-off CSR programs are no longer sufficient to address systemic challenges.
“Thirty years in, the question is no longer whether businesses should invest in communities. Rather, it is whether those investments are built to last and designed to solve,” said Shem Jose Garcia, LCF chair.
The big shift
LCF leaders emphasized moving from isolated initiatives to integrated strategies tied to business identity and long-term value creation. The group is calling for CSR programs that are proactive, data-driven, and aligned with real community needs.
“The world has been changing rapidly and CSR must change with it,” Garcia said. “What we need to evolve is to align our programs with real needs and accelerate our impact where it matters most.”
Collaboration at the core
Executives highlighted the need for stronger partnerships across sectors. Katherine Anne Khoo of Ayala Foundation pointed to untapped opportunities within LCF’s network, while Metro Pacific Investments Foundation president Melody Del Rosario stressed the importance of involving experts and scientists in program design.
What’s next
The CSR Conference is set for July 1-2 at the Bayanihan Center in Pasig, followed by the CSR Expo on Oct. 1-2 in Makati. LCF will also hold its Guild Awards to recognize impactful initiatives across sectors such as education, environment, and health.
Bottom line
With 96 member organizations, LCF is leveraging its network to push for a new standard of corporate citizenship—one that prioritizes measurable outcomes, shared value, and sustained impact in a rapidly changing world. —Ramon C. Nocon | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
