MANILA, Philippines - Often confined to their cubicles and in front of their computers, the information technology (IT) industry isn’t your typical do-gooder. Science, despite its diverse contributions to the world, is mostly perceived as a service to economic progress rather than social advocacy.
But the electronics and computer engineers of NEC Toppan Circuit Design Inc. (TNCDI), a software design firm that originated in Japan and has a four-year-old Philippine branch located at Eastwood City Cyberpark, in Libis, Quezon City, defies the stereotype.
Aside from being among the fastest movers in the IT field, TNCDI has been engaged in pioneering global Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts known as the ‘Make-a-Difference Drive’ or MDD.
“The acronym NEC also stands for ‘Nature, Education, and Community Service,’ which are the heart of (the company),” explains Dexon Fullero, a computer-aided design or CAD engineer.
Naturally, their projects are directed toward these advocacies. Fullero has participated in almost all of them, and he is grateful for the experience.
“Most employees are volunteers,” he says. “We all enjoy the activities. They become ‘bonding’ moments for us, too.”
For Jonard Manarang, also a CAD engineer, there are physical and social rewards. “In our line of work, we’re usually in the office and sitting in front of a computer, so it feels good to get out and at the same time, help other people,” he adds.
Both joined the company’s initial foray in the 23rd International Coastal Clean-Up, a global event staged yearly by the Ocean Conservancy since 1986. It was first held in the Philippines in 1994. They were among the seven volunteers from TNCDI that braved the heat and stench last September to collect and dispose of garbage properly at the Manila Bay.
Another environmental conservation event among TNCDI employees was the Field Planting Activity in partnership with the Save Silang Sta. Rosa River Foundation. With two of its executives, 17 employees planted saplings and ornamental plants at an adopted farm lot in Sta. Rosa, Laguna for the Young Environmental Stewards Organization.
In addition to their green initiatives, the company has organized a blood letting activity to benefit the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI).
Drawing 46 volunteers, CAD engineer Karl Arjona noted that the turnout was an eye-opener. “I was informed that many patients are in need of blood donors, and there’s also a shortage at public hospitals, so I decided to sign up,” he says.
Arjona shares employees also appreciate the CSR projects because unlike large-scale corporate outreach programs, they are made more aware of these advocacies so their efforts become more personal.