NEDA urges businesses to align core operations with development goals

MANILA, Philippines — The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has urged businesses to align their operations with the country’s medium-term and long-term socioeconomic agenda, both of which aim to create within a generation’s time a predominantly middle class society.

In a presentation delivered during the Fostering CSR in the Philippines: Conference on Responsible Business, NEDA assistant secretary Carlos Abad Santos said businesses could be a strong development partner of the government if it can provide better opportunities and services to underserved sectors to contribute to the government’s goal of attaining inclusive development.

“NEDA encourages the shift from philanthropic activities outside regular operations into mainstreaming social objectives within the core of business, very much similar to what social enterprises do,” he said.

“We emphasize inclusive business where we provide better opportunities to the underserved areas and sectors of society. This is the kind of business that will lead to inclusive development where no one will be left behind,” he added.

The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 contains strategies aimed at steering the country toward middle income status by the end of the plan period. It is the first medium term development plan to be aligned with a long-term vision- contained in Ambisyon Natin 2040 — of attaining inclusive economic growth in the country and eventually transforming the Philippines into a knowledge economy through increased innovation.

In designing corporate social responsibility projects, Abad Santos also urged businesses to align these with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 aspirations spearheaded by the United Nations and agreed upon by various states to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice and address the effects of climate change by 2030.

In brief, the goals are as follows: No poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and adequate sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, promotion of industry and infrastructure, reduced income inequality among countries, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, providing action against climate change, protection of marine life, sustainability of land resources, keeping of peace and forging strong institutions, and maintenance of close global collaboration for the attainment of these goals.

Abad Santos noted that various business associations in the country have been aligning their CSR and core business processes and activities with SDGs but many have yet to “advance their understanding” on the private sector’s contribution to development beyond traditional corporate philantrophy.

Specifically, businesses can align their core operations with SDGs through the following: making cities and human settlements safe, resilient and sustainable; providing inclusive and equitable quality education; providing access to affordable, reliable and sustainable source of energy; providing products and services for health and well-being for all age groups; implementing sustainable consumption and production patterns; and contributing to the attainment of sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth with productive employment for all.

Citing data from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Abad Santos said a total of P40.7 billion have so far been invested in SDG-aligned core business practices and programs in the country since the goals were created, majority of which have been allotted for the establishment of sustainable cities and communities, clean energy, quality education and health.

“We expect the contribution of the business sector to significantly increase following more engagement between the private and public sector,” said Abad Santos.