Pioneering construction-company institutionalizes its CSR initiatives

Corporate Social Responsibility or the act of giving back to the community plays a crucial role in helping shape the legacy and impact of any company to society. Leading construction company D.M. Consunji Inc. (DMCI) knows this only too well, that is why it has taken its commitment of community-building to the next level this year.

In line with this, the company decided to put together all its projects under a more focused and branded framework. Dubbed Kaakbay, the company rationalizes its CSR initiatives under four categories: “Kaakbay sa Kalusugan,” which pertains to projects about health and well-being; “Kaakbay sa Kalikasan,” for projects about environmental protection and sustainable eco-development; “Kaakbay sa Pamayanan,”  for projects like housing which addresses issues on social welfare and community development; and “Kaakbay sa Edukasyon,” whose goal is to enhance learning and education.

The Kaakbay campaign streamlines such activities and keeps sharp focus on social development areas relevant to its line of business. As a clear and distinctive brand, it also helps strengthen internal engagement and employee volunteerism within the company.

“With a more comprehensive CSR campaign, we are now not only able to build a positive and engaging culture within the organization, our company is also being given a golden opportunity to share our blessings to the local communities,” says Isidro Consunji, president of DMCI Holdings, Inc.

With the launch of Kaakbay this year, numerous projects had already been implemented under its various categories. Some of these include tree-planting activities at Ipo Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan as well as in Bgy. San Isidro, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. DMCI has also contributed greatly to renovation works at Kitchen Infirmary Rooms of Jaro Carmel in Iloilo, the proposed Chapel of Mary Consolatrix of The Eucharist in Calbayog City, as well as the proposed Chapel of Carmelite of St. John the Cross (guest house) in Ozamis City.

Given its close to six decades of solid track record, DMCI has pioneered the application of advanced engineering technology in Philippine construction industry, and has since undertaken a number of CSR activities that leaned more towards partnerships in local job creation and employment opportunities, skills training, responsible land use, and ecosystem protection and conservation. This tradition of responsiveness and innovation reflects the values of its founder and chairman, David Mendoza Consunji.

Building on his pioneering efforts, DMCI has successfully built a legacy on the enduring values of uncompromising integrity, excellence and high standards of quality.  By completing projects on or ahead of schedule, the company has also left a mark on a multitude of building projects and structures both locally and abroad.

Already with close to a thousand projects completed thus far, DMCI aims to be the client’s first choice in contracting solutions and continues to shape the country with its extensive expertise in general building, civil, transport, industry, public utilities, and service sector infrastructure.

D.M. Consunji, Inc. is recognized as one of the leaders in the Philippine construction industry. It is engaged in general construction services, which is the core business of DMCI Holdings, Inc. Other businesses include:

• DMCI Homes, the country’s top developer of premium quality, themed residential communities;
• Semirara Mining Corporation, a publicly listed company engaged in the exploration, mining and development of the largest coal resource in the Philippines, in Semirara Island, Antique;
• Private Infrastructure Development Corp. (PIDC), a consortium of all-Filipino contractors including DMCI, together with San Miguel Corporation, undertaking the construction, operation and maintenance of the 88-kilometer Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Toll Expressway;
• DMCI-MPIC Water Company Inc., the consortium of DMCI, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and Marubeni which owns the exclusive water concession of the west service zone of Metro Manila through Maynilad Water Services Inc.;
• DMCI Power Corp., an energy generation company;
• and DMCI Mining Corp., an ore and mineral mining and exploration company.

Given DMCI's strong commitment to its vision of being partners in community-building, as illustrated by its new CSR campaign called “Kaakbay” – a true companion – it would really be a cinch that the company would continue to enjoy the patronage not only of its clients but also the community where it operates. ##