A force for good: New center to promote ethical, sustainable business

With a shared commitment to redefine the narrative of business from profit centric to society centric, PHINMA Corporation and De La Salle University’s Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business (RVR COB) launched the PHINMA-DLSU Center for Business and Society last March 8 at The Fifth at Rockwell. 

During the event, PHINMA  Chairman and CEO Ramon R. del Rosario, Jr. pointed out that the center is a pioneering venture that more than just being an institutional collaboration embodies a commitment to redefine business as “a force for good.” 

“Its aim is to produce business leaders who will embrace the idea that business has a responsibility beyond profits; that business must do its part in bringing a better life for Filipinos.  A corollary hope is to produce business leaders who will speak out and take a stand on issues of national importance,” he shared. 

For his part, DLSU President Br. Bernard Oca FSC said that “the center is perfectly positioned to leverage the college’s pioneering research, academic rigor, and extensive network to champion sustainable and ethical business practices through this collaboration.”

Br. Bernie shared the center’s vision within the next five years, which is to be “the nation’s leading research-based advocate and management development provider for business as a force for good.”

“Through our focus programs, research, and advocacy, we aim to equip current and future leaders with the requisite knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding to foster positive societal change through business,” he stressed.

Br. Bernie added: “We seek to beckon the country’s colleges and leading organizations towards adopting business as a force for good as their principal, strategic approach. Incorporating this ethos into business models, vision mission statements, sustainability reports, and policy advocacies is not just commendable but also imperative for the prosperity of our global community.”

RVR COB Dean Dr. Emilina Sarreal shared the center’s strategic approach, which includes curriculum development; research collaborations and advocacies; showcasing best practices and leadership development; building partnerships; sustainable funding; and national action plan. 

Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, president of the Management Association of the Philippines, delivered a response on behalf of the industry. He touched on the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework and the association’s thrust on shared prosperity. 

Edgar Chua, director of PHINMA Corp. and chairman of the Makati Business Club,  also delivered a response, citing their full support for the center’s vision, which is in line with MBC’s Integrity Initiative.  

Likewise, Dr. Vic Manabat, president of the Philippine Association of Collegiate Schools of Business, delivered a response on behalf of its 137 members nationwide. He cited the center’s emphasis on ethics, sustainability, and inclusive growth, which he acknowledged as key in improving not only business education but also the quality of life of Filipinos. 

Delivering the closing remarks for the event was Dr. Patrick Adriel Aure, the inaugural director of the PHINMA-DLSU Center for Business and Society.  

The event was attended by various stakeholders, including business and business education leaders as well as Lasallians.