Isla Lipana & Co./PwC Philippines amplifies its corporate sustainability efforts in conjunction with the PwC global network’s “Community First” campaign, seeking to create meaningful impact on underserved and vulnerable communities across the world.
The Philippine member firm joins the PwC global network in simultaneous initiatives in key cities around the globe, with a hefty lineup of programs under the pillars of community engagement, education, sustainable development, and environmental stewardship.
PwC Philippines Chairman and Senior Partner Roderick Danao shares that the firm’s corporate sustainability efforts reflect the PwC global network’s commitment to building trust and solving important problems in society.
“Most, if not all, societal problems are rooted in inequality. While we cannot put an end to this on our own, we share the vision and do our part in closing the gap. In the space of that effort, we hope to inspire and create long-term change for our beneficiaries,” Rick says.
As the nation confronts a massive shortage of 165,000 classrooms along with other basic school assets based on 2025 data from the Department of Education, PwC Philippines thus boosted its implementation of “Seat of Hope.” Since 2013, over 10,220 chairs have been donated to 122 under-resourced schools nationwide, reaching as far as Zamboanga del Sur. In FY2025 alone, 1,200 chairs were provided, benefiting approximately 2,400 students and fostering a conducive learning environment.
Meanwhile, with a nearly 40% dropout rate among Filipino college students based on 2021–2022 data from the Commission on Higher Education, the firm has expanded its scholarship program. From having only 20 scholars, the program now offers financial aid to 120 senior high school and college students from low-income families year on year, supporting their pursuit of higher education. In FY2025, 57 new scholars were admitted to the program. As PwC Philippines bears the end view of translating education to employment opportunities, 20 of the 27 scholars who passed the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Exam (CPALE) joined the firm this year.
A departure from traditional CSR, “Tourism with a Purpose” is a key initiative that integrates teambuilding, volunteerism, and support for local tourism. Launched in 2014, Tourism with a Purpose encourages employees to integrate volunteer work into the firm’s teambuilding activities, strengthening community ties and promoting responsible tourism. Initiatives in FY2025 focused on education, environmental protection, and animal welfare. These included beach cleanups in Boracay, mangrove planting in Bohol, distribution of school supplies in Aklan, and animal welfare initiatives in Batangas. Since the program’s inception, over 50 volunteer sessions from various lines of service have been accomplished nationwide, gathering over 500 volunteers each year.
Furthering its goals of community engagement, health, and wellbeing, PwC Philippines touts its “100 Days of Christmas” program. Launched in 2023 initially as a feeding program, it has now expanded into nutrition-focused activities and gift-giving. In merely two years, the firm has collaborated with foundations, community centers, schools, and parishes to conduct 16 engagements, bringing warmth and cheer to more than 3,000 children from underserved communities.
PwC Philippines also institutionalized its environmental initiatives last year by establishing partnership with SM for a quarterly coastal cleanup at Manila Bay. The firm galvanizes its volunteers for a daybreak cleanup of the Manila shoreline, especially during key celebrations such as World Ocean Day, International Coastal Cleanup Day, and National Day of the Youth for Climate Action.
As a member of the UN Global Compact, PwC Philippines strengthens its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), integrating these principles into its sustainability initiatives. In particular, the firm aligns its projects with SDGs on health, education, work and economic growth, reduction of inequalities, and marine conservation.
“At PwC Philippines, sustainability involves understanding the unique needs of every community we touch. By aligning our projects with the broader framework of the UN SDGs, we make sure that our efforts are purposive and impactful,” says Catherine Lipana-Gomez, Deals and Corporate Finance and ESG Partner. “We strive to create ripples of positive change that go beyond today, ultimately fostering a more sustainable future for everyone.”
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