UnionBank CSR harnesses the impact of innovation and technology by doing social good
By: Angela Justo
UnionBank of the Philippines continues to forge strategic CSR initiatives that serve as incubators of innovation. This enables an alignment with the overall business strategy, where both positively impact the community through the enhancement of products and services.
The unprecedented events of 2020 changed the landscape we move in and the way we do things as a community. At the end of the day were able to distill what matters most: kindness, empathy, and collaboration.
The pandemic accelerated the inception of digital ubuntu and virtual sweat equity. As GBC exemplifies how UnionBank volunteers go beyond the demands of their work and job to reach out to different communities nationwide, the challenge is obvious but solvable. From empowering employees to visit customers, partners, and communities while designing and implementing a myriad of collaborations with stakeholders, we contribute solutions to education, environment, inclusion, and employment and livelihood challenges, pivoting to a promising but unchartered direction the only way forward.
We had to prioritize the health and safety of our employees before anything and anyone else. Right before the local lockdown in March 2020, we had planned to launch the GBC 5th year Commemorative book to celebrate milestones and stories throughout the years.
To socialize the message and celebration, the CSR unit prepared to show results from years of employee volunteerism and used this as a turning point for elevating the purpose of GBC. Virtual meetings were conducted to plant seeds of thoughts in both new and old volunteers. It was high time to reimagine the ways social good and CSR can be implemented. Participants shared ideas on remote or virtual sweat equity and on how one project can help multiple beneficiaries.
The pivot of GBC projects during the start of the pandemic is tangible proof of UnionBankers’ agility amidst challenging situations.
The result was something we did not expect to manifest immediately. GBC project proposals started exemplifying how we can organically achieve virtual sweat equity. In collaboration with Human Resource Group’s Talent Acquisition Group, we were able to include interns from our Student Mentorship Program as GBC Volunteers. They pioneered digital fundraising projects for the benefit of those affected by the pandemic. UB a Hero for Pasahero was also able to leverage one of UnionBank’s existing platforms for MSMEs: Sentro. They were also the minds behind As Astra Per Aspera, which initiated a series of workshop for incoming college students who are struggling with the new landscape in learning remotely.
Another GBC-supported project that benefits jeepney drivers is Bangon Biyahero, a partnership with International Youth United (IYU). The project aims to provide an alternative source of income to jeepney drivers who have been let go of their operators. Screening were done virtually based on their submitted profiles and an initial group of drivers received a package to start their sari-sari store business. The program expanded through a partnership with Pilmico which provided the beneficiaries an opportunity to be part of their reseller program.
The Local Goodness PH was also among our GBC Interns’ most promising projects yet. In collaboration with a group of UnionBank employees, we created a marketing plan for the newly established business venture. This enabled UnionBank to not only help The Local Goodness PH promote its products, it also formed part of a bigger fundraising for UnionBank’s own Appeal for Help Fund. With PHP 50,000 we were able to allocate a portion as well for the victims of the recent typhoons.
By cultivating the value of ubuntu through donation drives and internal GBC programs such as Appeal for Help, we were able to provide options to practice volunteerism virtually and remotely.
When Distribution Group Head Jeannette Zagala approached our team, they wanted to educate and inspire UnionBankers on how purchasing bonds like Premyo Bonds 2 would equate to a higher purpose through the allocation of funds it is meant for. With only one week until the end of the offer period, we had to act quickly to ensure this GBC project proposal’s maximum benefit. In less than 48 hours, the team activated the GBC campaign, which enabled UnionBankers to participate as a GBC volunteer by investing in Premyo Bonds 2. It also served as an opportunity to showcase Bonds.ph, an app powered by UnionBank and PDAX that allows the public to buy and sell in retail Philippine treasury bonds. By the end of the subscription period last December 11, 2020, we were able to record almost 60 participants- a pleasant surprise for a GBC project that was activated and run for less than three days.
As GBC continues to harness the multiplier effect of inspiring 3,000 employees to do social good, we embrace change as it continues to propel innovations throughout the organization.
Digital Ubuntu, a theme that resonates through various projects and programs all throughout the pandemic, demonstrates how contributions of volunteers-no matter how small- create a ripple effect in the communities UnionBank serve and ultimately, in nation building.