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Lopez family tradition of CSR ‘blooms’ with Meralco Sibol School in Iloilo

04/22/2007

Corporate Social Responsibility is now a byword among corporations and private businesses that everyone, from the owners and managers down to the frontliners, are now aware of the impact that CSR has in changing communities and uplifting lives.

For Meralco’s CSR, reaching out is a “way of life” and communities are treated as active partners rather than just mere beneficiaries.

Manuel Lopez, chairman of Meralco, trace his family’s roots in Jaro in Iloilo province. Thus, it was a auspicious day for Meralco when a Sibol School was formally inaugurated last Feb. 23 at the Eugenio Lopez Sr. GK Village located in Barangay Buntatala, Jaro, Iloilo City. The first to be built outside Meralco’s franchise area, Lopez deemed it appropriate to have a Meralco Sibol School in the province.

“In behalf of the Lopez family, we are inaugurating this Sibol School as a testament to our commitment in ensuring a brighter future for the Ilonggos. The impact of education is massive and is one of the strongest pillars of a vibrant community,” said Mr. Lopez, as he addressed the community of the Eugenio Lopez Sr. GK Village, the GK Village named after his late father.

The Lopez tradition of philanthropy was evident during the inauguration. Supporting this endeavor was his wife, Maritess; sons Mike and Mark, who are both Meralco officers. Younger generation Lopezes distributed gifts to the school kids who will now treat the Sibol School as their “second home.”

The Sibol School inside Eugenio Lopez Sr. GK Village is built on a 65-square meter lot. It will serve the pre-school children in the community with the help of volunteer teachers. Meralco has already turned over 10 Sibol Schools as of February 2007.

“The Meralco Sibol School is one of the numerous CSR projects that our family and Meralco is undertaking during the year. CSR for us is not only through words but more importantly about actions,” Mr. Lopez said. Meralco is eyeing for 15 Sibol Schools in 2007.