As the Philippines’ premier telecommunication company, Eastern Communications is making significant strides towards sustainability, a goal that manifests in various Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. From preserving coastal ecosystems to uplifting underprivileged communities, Eastern Communications actively seeks to create a positive impact that aligns with global standards and supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.
Environmental Initiatives: Nurturing Nature for Future Generations
To support the typhoon-prone country, Eastern continues its environmental stewardship through various initiatives. Building on its previous partnerships, including tree-planting activities with the Tuguegarao One Million Trees Movement in collaboration with former team Eastern Communications Perlas Spikers, the company continues to champion ecological conservation this year with coastal rehabilitation initiatives with Project Pristine for Love Boracay 2024 and Metro Divers’ Code Blue 2024 underwater clean-up drive.
One of its upcoming initiatives is the mangrove planting initiative, to be conducted in December in partnership with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) One To Tree program. Mangroves, which protect coastlines from erosion, serve as nurseries for marine life, and play an essential role in carbon sequestration, are critical to combating climate change. To begin its long-term mangrove reforestation initiatives, Eastern kicks this off by planting 1,000 mangroves in Brgy. Lumaniag, Municipality of Lian, Batangas. Through this, Eastern will contribute to enhancing and nurturing these vital ecosystems and mitigating the impact of climate-related issues in vulnerable coastal areas.
Social Initiatives: Empowering the Next Generation
Eastern Communications' has long believed in the importance of supporting the next generation and furthering the quality of their education especially in underserved communities. Recently, Eastern partnered with the "My Dream in a Shoebox" (MDIAS) campaign to help bridge the educational gap faced by underprivileged children. With the help of Eastern employee volunteers, this initiative focused on providing children with essential learning materials and opportunities for growth.
"Thank you to the generous hearts of our Eastern Communications partners. You inspire us by helping us make bigger dreams come true," said Bea Lim, CEO and President of TeamAsia.
The partnership with MDIAS began in 2023, and continued this year with 300 Dream Kits gifted to beneficiaries of the Payatas Orione Foundation Inc. in Quezon City. Each kit contained school supplies, supporting these children in their academic journey and empowering them with resources to pursue their dreams. Now in its 16th year, MDIAS has impacted countless young lives by offering educational materials, funding assistance, and access to technology, aligning with Eastern Communications' advocacy for inclusive and equitable quality education.
According to the World Bank, nine out of ten Filipino children at age 10 are unable to read and comprehend a basic, age-appropriate text. Furthermore, Filipino students ranked among the lowest globally in mathematics, reading, and science, as shown by the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). The Philippines placed 77th out of 81 countries, with performance falling below the global average across all subjects.
"By providing these Dream Kits, we’re helping break down the barriers of limited resources, opening doors for children to continue their educational journey and reach for their dreams,” said Jed Estanislao, Eastern Communications Head of Marketing and Customer Experience.
Discover fundraising and outreach programs to help make a brighter reality for more and more learners in the Philippines at www.shoeboxcampaign.teamasia.com.
In addition to its efforts to cultivate the talent of the Filipino youth, Eastern also launched a digital art contest during October to November. The competition, organized in partnership with Wacom Philippines, invited young artists and creatives from Baguio City and the Cordillera region to showcase their unique skills and creativity. With the theme ‘Philippines: A Connected Digital Nation,’ the contest challenged participants to express the connectedness of Filipinos in the modern age through the use of digital art.
“We celebrate these talented artists and their inspiring work. It’s our hope that these awards not only recognize their exceptional creativity but also fuel their passion for years to come,” shared Estanislao.
Governance Initiatives: Promoting Transparency and Ethical Standards
Good governance lies at the core of Eastern Communications' operational practices. The company is committed to maintaining high standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical practices, which are essential for building trust with customers and partners, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
The company takes pride in being the first telecommunications company to be ISO certified. It recently renewed its ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 27001:2013 certifications, affirming its dedication to maintaining high standards of service excellence and best industry-standard practices. These certifications highlight Eastern’s top-tier service solutions for clients, setting the benchmark for quality and excellence in the telco industry.
Employee welfare and professional development are equally prioritized, with Eastern Communications investing in training programs that equip employees with the skills needed to support the company’s sustainability agenda. By creating a culture of learning and integrity, Eastern Communications builds a workforce that not only drives business success but also champions ethical practices.
As the company continues to evolve in the digital age, Eastern Communications exemplifies how sustainability and corporate responsibility can harmonize with business growth. In doing so, they not only drive their mission forward but also contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future for the Philippines, setting a standard for other companies to follow. Learn more about Eastern at www.eastern.com.ph.
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