Last April 7, 60 associates of Novartis Philippines participated in the Community Partnership Day (CPD), which was spent with children at the Hospicio de San Jose, home to more than 300 people from various ages and origins.
Together, associates and children replaced the beddings and curtains, painted the building facade and two floors of the Tahan Center (a temporary shelter for the needy), repainted the playground, and planted trees in the playground area.
The CPD coincided with the company’s 10-year anniversary celebrations. In the presence of German Peruyero, Novartis Philippines’ president and CEO, and Dr. Juergen Brokatzky-Geiger, Novartis global head of human resources, the event started with beautiful songs from children.
Later in the day, another highlight was the donation of cash and medicines to the victims of Southern Leyte mudslide. The donation was coursed through the Philippine National Red Cross represented by Gwendolyn Pang of the fund generation department.
Novartis associates gathered during the closing ceremony at the Immaculate Heart Auditorium. The children danced and sang "Welcome to the family" to express their gratitude to Novartis for being part of their family for two consecutive years.
Each child was given a pair of shoes as a souvenir in preparation for the school opening in June. Novartis also donated medicines such as Tegretol, Gerber products and other essential healthcare items to the institution.
Closing the ceremony, Peruyero said: "The annual Community Partnership Day is a powerful component of our corporate citizenship program. It reinforces our strong commitment to social responsibility."