In 2016, Robinsons Land Corporation established RLove, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program that spearheads various social welfare and advocacy projects through philanthropy, volunteerism, and partnerships. The program is committed to enrich lives and support meaningful causes in pursuit of shaping a better future for communities where Robinsons Land Corporation is a part of.
As an active response to the changing needs of the Filipino community, a variety of social welfare projects were implemented in line with priority causes: Community Development and Social Involvement, Health and Nutrition, Emergency Response, and Child Welfare and Education. This year, the RLove program has provided assistance to 50 partner beneficiary groups, while strengthening its partnerships with national agencies, and both local and international civil society organizations.
Employee Volunteerism and Engagement
At the core of the RLove CSR program are employee volunteerism and engagement. Time, skills, and material resources are shared as a concrete expression of the commitment to uplift communities and to spark transformative social change.
RLC employees rendered a total of 5,000 volunteer hours for RLove activities this year. They also participated in collecting donations and organizing drives for Brigada Eskwela, tree planting initiatives, coastal clean-ups, and various relief operations and outreach activities.
Disaster Response
RLC reached out to disaster victims through Robinsons Malls relief operations. Seeing the need to lift the Filipino spirit amidst calamities and disasters, RLove through Robinsons Malls was able to provide emergency assistance to affected communities with the help of their respective Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Resiliency Office. RLove relief food packs were distributed in evacuation centers, and through door-to-door efforts to reach all calamity-stricken families. Construction materials were also donated to encourage residents to rebuild their homes during the Mindanao-Davao Earthquake. Robinsons Malls conducted relief operations in Ilocos Norte and Naga City during Typhoon Ineng and Tisoy.
Community Development and Social Involvement
RLC is deliberate in its commitment to preserve the environment and takes action to protect it in every aspect. In 2019, several Robinsons malls partnered with their local government hosts in promoting environmental projects. Robinsons Place Palawan participated in the International Coastal Clean-up, Pista Y ang Kagueban (Feast of the Forest) and the 2nd Balayong Festival, commemorating the founding anniversary of the City of Puerto Princesa highlighted by balayong tree-planting. Robinsons Place Naga also participated in Naga City Arbor Day – 1st Anniversary celebration through citywide tree planting.
Robinsons Homes, on the other hand, organized Our Roots, Our Home for the 7th year, a tree planting program that provides communities with a more sustainable and environment-friendly lifestyle.
Robinsons Land Corporation took part in the DENR-organized activities for the 2019 International Coastal Clean-up Philippines dubbed as “The Battle for Trash-Free Manila Bay.” Employee volunteers made their way to Navotas Centennial Park, a waterfront park facing Manila Bay. While the park is a popular place for jogging and other activities, its coastal areas are often littered with trash. For two hours, RLC volunteers combed the area and collected an estimated 100 kilos of garbage, which were turned over to the event’s organizers for proper disposal.
The Company participated in other initiatives and activities including Aldaw Kan Salog Ning Buhay (Naga River Day), a clean-up drive hosted by Robinsons Place Naga, and Linis Estero Clean-up Drives in Robinsons Place Jaro, Robinsons Place Iligan and Robinsons Place Roxas.
Health and Nutrition
To service the needs of the marginalized sectors, including persons with disabilities and diseases, the program donated resources for daily essentials, support therapies, and medicines. This year, the program served The Hansen Lepers Association of Cebu to empower people diagnosed with Hansen disease to overcome their limitations and to navigate opportunities for a better life. RLC also supported “LaBang (Lahat Bangon)” in Barangay Tejero, a community program organized in conjunction with the drug dependent recovery campaign, through sponsoring meals for participants who joined the educational sessions.
Robinsons Hotels and Resorts partnered with the Giving Hope Foundation for its Project Food for Thought, a feeding program for indigent public school students at Pineda Elementary School in Pineda, Pasig. Beneficiaries of the program included malnourished children and indigent students who go to school without food or allowance. The program currently provides nourishment to 300 children throughout the school weeks.
In partnership with Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), 20 abled children from Philippine Children’s Medical Center Pedriatic Cancer and Hematology Center, together with their parents, were treated to “Christmas Shopping” in Robinsons Galleria Mall during the holiday season. RLC handed out gift certificates to each child, which could be used to purchase toys and clothes inside the mall. The kids were assisted by PBA basketball players and RLC volunteer employees.
Child Welfare and Education
RLove actively participates in the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela project and “Adopt-A- School” program that caters to over 82,000 public school students. In 2019, RLC assisted 54 public schools located in 24 different provinces and cities across the country in improving classrooms and common areas. Activities include repainting of classrooms, repairing of school furniture, and donation of audio-visual equipment and information to aid the children’s learning.
Robinsons Hotels and Resorts Division set up its own child protection commitment and policy through the implementation of a framework for staff development, and skills development of tourism professionals and front liners on Child Safeguarding and Protection. This initiative was executed in partnership with UNICEF and ECPAT Philippines.
The Residential Division supported He Cares Mission, a non-profit, Christian organization that reached out to 200 underprivileged children in Metro Manila, by donating toys, books, bags, and clothes, which were distributed through the foundation. The project was implemented in partnership with the various condominium corporations, unit owners, and tenants of RLC’s residential developments.
The Residential Division, in partnership with Hongkong Land and the condominium corporations, also spearheaded Fill-a-Bagpack. Donation boxes were stationed in the different RLC developments in Pasig and Quezon City to encourage condominium owners and residents to donate school essentials such as crayons, notebooks, and writing instruments. All of the items collected were placed in backpacks and distributed to 150 pupils of Jenny’s Day Care in Brgy. Rosario, Pasig.
RLC Employees also initiated RLove Christmas Toy Drive for the collection of in-kind and monetary donations. Brand new toys suitable for babies up to 17-year-old children were given to 100 kids from Children’s Village of Bantay Bata 163 in Norzagaray Bulacan, bringing the true spirit of Christmas to life.