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SMART’s Kabalikat sa Edukasyon cited as Asia’s best education program
Leading wireless services provider Smart Communications, Inc.’s (SMART) Kabalikat sa Edukasyon was cited best corporate social responsibility program under the Support & Improvement of Education category by Asia’s premier Awards program on CSR, the Asian CSR Awards 2009.
The company likewise received a citation from Intel Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Corporate Responsibility Award (IACRA) 2009 for its education programs. The award ceremonies were held during the 8th Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility last Friday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
“In electing SMART to receive a special commendation for the IACRA 2009, the board of judges recognizes SMART and its socially responsible projects to bring technology to disadvantaged areas and communities, well integrated into corporate strategy and core competencies with far reaching social impact,” IACRA said.
“Being selected as a winner is recognition that (SMART’s) entry was among the best in Support and Improvement for Education category in the region. With 211 entries from 132 companies in 14 countries, the judges had a very difficult time evaluating the excellent entries. Many of the entries were impressive. In the end, the judges made some difficult decisions,” said Felipe B. Alfonso, Vice Chairman, AIM Board of Trustees and Executive Director, AIM-Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. Center for Corporate Social Responsibility.
“The awards are very much appreciated. Education is one of the most effective means for alleviating poverty. That’s why six years ago, we decided to make education the focus of our CSR efforts. The resources of SMART and the PLDT Group such as Internet and online content development likewise lend themselves to the involvement in the field of education. Our dream is Internet for All. And this certainly will be a boon to education,” said SMART President and Chief Executive Officer Napoleon L. Nazareno.
SMART’s Alternative Power for Cell Sites Program was also an Excellence awardee under the Environmental Excellence category.
“We will also continue to take into account our environment in the conduct of our business. We now have 74 wind- and solar-powered cell sites across the country. What we’ve accomplished so far in all our CSR efforts is a result of genuine partnership. I assure you that SMART will continue to be your “kabalikat” or partner in having effective and sustainable programs,” Mr. Nazareno added.
The Asian CSR Awards, co-presented by AIM and Intel, recognizes and honors companies in Asia for their CSR projects and programs. The Awards are given in five categories: Best Workplace Practices, Concern for Health, Environmental Excellence, Poverty Alleviation, and Support and Improvement of Education.
The Asian CSR Awards program is presented by the Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. Center for Corporate Social Responsibility, a research and program center within the AIM.
(Published 07 December 2009, Smart Communications Inc.)
