By: Genesis Mae Esquillo
“There’s no such thing as a small act of kindness, every act creates a ripple effect with no logical end” – Scott Adams
Holding on to its commitment of “Valuing What Matters”, Reed Elsevier Philippines (REPH) makes giving back to the community one of its top priorities. As a company that provides products and services that upholds the rule of law, advances sciences and health and fosters communities, they are also committed to making a difference in the society through little deeds in various ways.
As early as 2015 when the site was established, Reed Elsevier partnered with several non-government organizations (NGOs) to extend its support to provide educational assistance to the out-of-school youth, extending financial and in-kind donations to the home of the elderly, supporting treatment, and medical assistance to kids with cancer, distributing school supplies to far-flung communities and many others.
The heart for community service is well-embedded in the company culture, aptly named “RELX Cares” which supports employee and corporate engagement that makes a positive impact on society through volunteerism and giving.
A dedicated community service or RELX Cares month every September reminds every employee to be grateful for the blessings and encourages everyone to extend a helping hand to those in need. A fundraising activity entitled “Big Give” uses a ‘Doing More with Less’ concept wherein volunteers are challenged to raise funds through various creative initiatives across the organization. Initiatives during the last three years included Dressdown for a Cause, Battle of the Bands, Fun Run, Movie Screening, Tree
Planting, and Employee Pledges. All proceeds were given to the chosen beneficiaries.
Employee resource groups or Circles became instrumental in making RELX Cares more dynamic and efficient. Every employee circle will choose its beneficiary and will be creative in raising funds for the said community. As these circles developed and evolved into advocates of REPH corporate social responsibility, the spirit of community service was even more intensified.
Despite the pandemic, Reed Elsevier did not stop serving the community. The company is revolutionizing social media to reach out to communities while keeping employees engaged. Employee circles were able to organize virtual fundraising initiatives and conduct outreach activities while strictly following the health protocols. Sinag (Ray of Light), was the first virtual benefit concert conducted to raise funds intended to support the frontliners, local communities, and sectors that were greatly affected by the pandemic. It was a 4-week online music session that allowed employees to showcase their talent while contributing to the betterment of society.
The spirit of caring is embedded within our DNA. Volunteers were provided paid time-offs dedicated to community service activities. More than the accolades received such as the Outstanding Community Project from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and CSR Company of the Year Excellence Award from Asia CEO Awards, it is evident that the spirit of volunteerism stems from genuine passion towards caring for others. Reed Elsevier Philippines’ unwavering commitment is fueled by the workforce who are sincerely dedicated to serving and making a difference to the community.
iPlant Mangrove, a tree planting CSR initiative in Katuggan Eco Park, Leganes, Iloilo last October 2019. 68 volunteers from different divisions planted mangroves at the Katuggan Eco Park.
Sinag (Ray of Light) is a virtual benefit concert that aimed to raise funds to support division-chosen beneficiaries during this pandemic.
Project Gugma (Affection) is a half-day activity that aimed at investing time, resources, and donating face shields for our medical health personnel who are on the frontline fighting the deadly COVID-19 Virus.
