FPI invites entries for 'sustainable awards'

MANILA, Philippines - The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) will give awards to their members who exemplify sustainable development initiatives in their operations.

The local cement manufacturers group and 37 other industry sector leaders comprising the FPI executed a Statement of Commitment to Sustainable Development. This statement is announced in the FPI website, www.fpi.ph. The FPI has now initiated a survey among themselves to determine baseline data for current and future sustainable development projects.  

“Our sustainable development program declares in its vision statement that industries undertake development which meets the needs of people living today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” FPI chairman Jesus Lim Arranza and FPI chairman of the FPI Sustainable Development Committee, Ernesto M. Ordonez said in their letter to their 38 industry association presidents. 

“We want to establish commonalities and areas of reciprocity among various industries in four categories, mainly on management of wastes and emissions; use and recycling of raw materials, fuel, water and other resources; health and safety; and corporate social responsibility,” Ordonez added.

According to the FPI mission statement, the organization recognizes the need to identify the key issues it has to tackle and the potential solutions to the challenges they pose.

Among the main objectives of the organization are the reduction of pollution through effective waste and emission management, and the efficient use of raw materials, fuels, water and other utilities.

Other organization priorities include the prevention of work-related accidents and illnesses and to propel poverty alleviation initiatives through corporate responsibility projects which translate to livelihood and income generation for local communities.

The awards committee will be composed of DENR, media, NGOs and other parties involved in sustainable development.