PNBC Christmas Networking Luncheon focuses on CSR

It has now become almost a tradition that the Council’s Networking Luncheon event for the month of December is geared towards the topic of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Last 13 December 2016, PNBC members and guests came to I’m Angus Restaurant in Makati City for a CSR-themed event and at the same time have an early “Jul De Bord” celebration. PNBC President, Capt. Ivar Thomasli opened the event and welcomed everyone with Christmas greetings and a short overview of what are the plans of PNBC in 2017.

Board Director and CSR Technical Working Group Head, Mr. Ozone Azanza then presented the CSR activities of the Council for the year 2016. The highlighted activities were the Integrity Seminar dubbed as “Doing it Right” held in May 2016, which was pursued in partnership with the Royal Norwegian Embassy-Manila and featured speakers from Wikborg Rein, the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Bantay.PH, and the 4-classroom project with the Klasrum Ng Pagasa (Classrooms of Hope), in Bataraza, Palawan.

As everyone enjoyed the main course, Mr. Azanza introduced the guest speaker, Ms. Lucy Castillo from the House With No Stairs Foundation, an entity under the umbrella of Tahanang Walang Hagdanan (TWH). Ms. Lucy is the Head Matron of the Bahay Biyaya (House of Blessings) facility in Quezon City, which serves as the dormitory for wheelchair-bound students and children of PWDs (Persons with Disabilities) who are aspiring to pursue their education. Ms. Castillo was herself a beneficiary of Bahay Biyaya and was able to finish her Bachelor of Arts in Education degree. She proceeded to become a teacher for special education programs for PWDs and pursued another certificate in international sign language to extend her vocation towards the hearing-impaired students.

She presented the history of the foundation from the time Sr. Valeriana Baerts organized it in 1973. She also highlighted their present needs ranging from scholarship funds to physical upkeep to their dormitory and other education-related facilities. It was great to see how PWD students formerly under their care have progressed into productive lives, now working in the government and private sectors, with some even becoming athletes, and having their own families.

Those who may wish to contact Ms. Lucy Castillo/House with No Stairs Foundation, may directly call or visit their office in No. 8, St. Michael St., Cubao, Quezon City 1109 Metro Manila. Tel.No. (632) 721 3620. Otherwise you may also course your email inquiry through the CSR TWG, rodolfo.azanza@norconsult.com.

We thank all who attended the event, and we greet you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!