AMCHAM WORLDWIDE PHONE SERVICE

AMCHAM Worldwide Phone Service: top quality communications at your fingertips

Communication is vital to any organization; through it, one can get the right information to be able to make important business decisions. But while email and instant messaging are now commonplace communications tools, these methods are dependent on the availability of devices such as computers and internet connection. Thus, many business people are still more apt to resort to using the good old telephone in order to immediately communicate with others.

Understanding the needs of the mobile businessman, AMCHAM Foundation Philippines, the socio-civic arm of the American Chamber of Commerce Philippines, has collaborated with Miracle Communications to offer the AMCHAM Worldwide Phone Service. Designed specially for AMCHAM members, this service answers the traveling executive’s need for safe, reliable, convenient and cost-efficient communications tools from anywhere in the world.

While there are a variety of telecommunications options for business people traveling overseas, these methods are often costly in the long run. Phone cards bought from the streets or in retail outlets are not only loaded with hidden charges and fees, but also provide poor connection quality. These ‘dirty’ phone cards provide users with only 30 to 40 percent of total usage than what they are paying for. Mobile phones and hotel IDD, on the other hand, are prohibitively expensive as they cover handling costs and overseas communications taxes. New technology such as VoIP has made making international calls using a computer or similar device possible; however, people will find it hard to access their computers when they are mobile. The quality of the voice call is also heavily dependent on the quality of the internet connection, making VoIP an unseemly communication solution for businessmen on the go.

AMCHAM and Miracle Communications’ offering, on the other hand, provides high quality international phone service that is not only user friendly but also cost effective. Thanks to Miracle’s topnotch communications technology, Tier 1 network, and worldwide direct connectivity with such international telecom companies as MCI, British Telecom, China Telecom, and more, the service ensures a safe and convenient way to make calls that have clear and reliable connections.

AMCHAM members who sign up for the AMCHAM Worldwide Phone Service receive a welcome package that includes their unique personal identification number (PIN); it also contains a wallet guide detailing country toll-free numbers and other relevant information. There is no need for a personal computer or VoIP service; to make their calls, users need only to input the toll-free access number of the country they are in from any touch-tone phone, then enter their PIN which serves as the authorization code at the prompt. The service will then give the user a cue to dial their destination number and will proceed to connect the call. This service can be used to originate calls from over 65 countries, and communicate with people in any destination around the world.

With the AMCHAM Worldwide Phone Service, companies can be sure that they get what they pay for: all calls are billed on a per minute basis with no other surcharges or fees. Clients will receive a monthly invoice detailing all transactions. Companies can also have an unlimited number of sub-accounts; each employee sent overseas can have their own PIN for easier phone account tracking.

Users of the service can also rely on the excellent customer support provided by Miracle; they can reach a customer support representative 24/7 from any place from which they are using the service.

Availing of the AMCHAM Worldwide Phone Service is easy as well. One can simply fill up the sign-up form and have this picked up by a service representative from Miracle Communications or directly contact the AMCHAM office. The company’s welcome package will be delivered within five days and employees may already use the service one their next overseas business trip. There is no minimum requirement for contract or usage length, or number of users.

The AMCHAM Worldwide Phone Service not only provides members with a competitively priced, high quality communications solution while traveling overseas; it also gives them an opportunity to contribute to a greater cause. Part of their service usage fees is donated to the AMCHAM Foundation to fund its various corporate social responsibility programs which are geared towards extending assistance to the less fortunate.

With the AMCHAM Worldwide Phone Service, users can now travel around Asia and the rest of the world and still be able to connect with their home offices and others, with a communications tool that provides top quality service, superb customer support, and big cost savings.

To know more about the AMCHAM Worldwide Phone Service, call 751-0561.

Friends In Deed - June 2010 issue

Menu of Personal Giving

Tropical Storm Ondoy and Pepeng Relief Operations

Ondoy (Ketsana) hit the country in September 26, 2009 submerging 1,915 barangays in National Capital Region and adjacent provinces. A total of 885,039 families were affected or some 4,342,997 individuals. The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) estimated the cost of damages brought by Ondoy to have increased to P4,807,557,452.83 of which Php1,590,774,865 billion in infrastructure and Php3,216,782,587.83 in agriculture. Joint units of the Armed Forces, police, firemen and other rescue groups have rescued a total number of 73,892 persons and 31,333 families.

A week after the Ondoy, Typhoon Pepeng (Parma) hit the northern part of the Philippines skipping the capital and those areas ravaged by Typhoon Pepeng entirely. The worst was that it completely devastated the northern part of the Philippines, dumped one of the heaviest rains recorded, heavier than the rainwater dumped by Typhoon Ondoy. The resulting floods reached as high as the rooftop of several houses plus turned into rivers or bodies of water the rice fields (agriculture is the major industry in the areas hardest hit by Pepeng) and destroyed several roads and highways. The region’s death toll has mounted to 191, with 121 dead in Benguet, 54 in Baguio City with 5 still missing, and 23 in Mountain Province with 32 still missing. A total of 18 landslides were documented (11 in Baguio, 6 in Benguet and one in Mountain Province).

American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines through the effort of AmCham Foundation mobilized resources from the AmCham member companies and individuals to provide immediate response to the victims of the typhoons. A total of Php1,077,612; SGD4,757.34 and $25,424.41; and almost Php600,000 worth of in-kind donations.

Summary of both in-kind and cash donations:

Name of Company/Individual
1. 3M Phils - Scrubbing pads
2. Alber Awad of American Wire and Cable - Php25,000.00
3. AmCham Staff - 7,000.00
4. Amado Community - $206.10
5. Auto Hub - Services
6. AVIS Rent a Car - Transport Services
7. CalEnergy International - Php100,000.00
8. Carepak (Austen Chamberlain) - use of trucks in transporting
9. Chevron Philippines Inc. - P100,000 worth of starcash
10.Clorox International - 10 cases of products
11.Don Felbaum - 2,500.00
12.EE Black - old clothes and assorted canned goods
13.Eliseo Miranda - Php3,000.00
14.Fluor Daniel Philippines - Php100,000.00
15.Ford Phils - Volunteers
16.Geoff Gill - Php50,000.00
17.Greg Rushford - $100.00
18.GXS Philippines - Used clothing and grocery packages
19.Hanesbrand Philippines - HANES products
20.Howard Frankman & John Sincak (former AmCham member, now in the USA - $68.00
21.IBM Club - Php80,000.00
22.International Flavors and Fragnances - 30 sacks of rice
23.International SOS - Php5,000.00
24.John Forbes - 5,000.00
25.John Melvin (Belmont Agricorp - Php10,000.00
26.Judith V. Lopez of Isla Lipana & Co., a member from of Pricewaterhouse Coopers - Php15,000.00
27.Jun P. Salipsip - Php1,000.00
28.McCormick Philippines - Php10,000.00
29.Microlab (Vicente Mercado) - Php5,000.00
30.Microtel Baguio - Hotel Accommodation of the staff and volunteers -
31.Mr. & Mrs. Vohra Sanjiv - Php11,000.00
32.NuSkin Enterprises Philippines Inc., Distruibutor & Employees - Php169,833.00
33.NuSkin Force for Good Foundation Utah USA - $15,000.00
34.NuSkin Singapore - SGD4,757.34
35.OSG Ship Management - 50,000 worth of goods including rice, volunteers
36.Professional Women of AmCham - Php23,279.00
37.Quezon Power (Intergen, Egco and Covanta)- Php450,000.00
38.S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. - 300 boxes of Baygon Coil & 100 boxes of mosquito repellant -
39.Senthil Bala of ITT Water Technology - $10,000.00
40.Serge Grynkewich - $50.00
41.Steve Divers of Deltek Systems - 1 small truck load of clothes, food, 13 sacks of rice, toiletries, toothbrushes, soap, footwears, bed linens, detergent, etc.
42.Strat Search Asia (Roland Enric Dela Cruz)- Php5,000.00
43.Sykes Asia (Rochelle Matimatico)- bags of goods

TOTAL DONATIONS
Php1,077.612.00
SGD4,757.34
$25,424.10
***Php600,000 in kind donations

***estimated amount only


AmCham Foundation conducted eight (8) relief operations to various areas in Manila as well as in Northern Luzon providing relief goods to a total of 4,532 families. Each relief packages contain canned goods, rice, clothes, blanket, mosquito coil and insect repellant, water, sugar, bath soap, coffee, milk, detergent soap and powder, toothpaste and shampoo. Following is the list of areas and beneficiaries that were given relief goods.

BENEFICIARIES

Date
6-Oct-09
Barangay San Miguel, Taguig, Metro Manila = 275
Barangay Hagonoy, Taguig, Metro Manila = 225

9-Oct-09
Barangay Bayog, Los Banos, Laguna = 250
Barangay Mayundon, Los Banos, Laguna = 250

14-Oct-09
Brgy. Aplaya, Balibago, Sta. Rosa = 500

16-Oct-09
Licab, Nueva Ecija = 1000

29-Oct-09
Barangay Sablan, Benguet = 49
Taluy Sur, Tuba, Benguet = 50
Taluy Norte, Tuba, Benguet = 135
Barangay Irisan, La Trinidad = 216
Brgy. Lamtang, La Trinidad = 344
Brgy. Happy Hallow, Baguio City = 70
Crisencia Ville, Baguio City = 35

9-Nov-09
Saytan, Pugo, La Union = 23
Subusub, Rosario, La Union = 48
Ambalite, Pugo, La Union = 38
Cuenca, Pugo, La Union = 92

10-Nov-09
Podoc, Bauang, La Union = 165
Parian Oeste, Bauang, La Union = 155
Subec, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte = 375

11-Nov-09
Tarrag, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte = 60
Dampig West, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte = 62
Saliksik, Dumalneg, Ilocos Norte = 24
San Isidro, Dumalneg, Ilocos Norte = 58

Others
Scholars = 15
Employees & Alumni = 18

TOTAL 4,532

Friends In Deed, November 2009

22nd Annual Thanksgiving Ball and 2nd AmCham CSR Award Excellence

The foyer of the New World Hotel grandballroom was filled to capacity as the guests streamed in for the 22nd Annual AmCham Foundation’s Thanksgiving Ball -taking you back to the 50’s with “ High Society”. A striking 3 Casio Organ (donated by Belrewmond Trading Inc.) took center place on one of the Silent Auction tables; a piña silk barong (courtesy of Silk Cocoon) commanded attention on another table and Casio watches (donated by Time Depot). A Caviar plate made of mother pearls (courtesy of Kristines Shells), a capiz sets of bowls, plates and trays (donated by Tesoros) – as well as holiday accommodation packages from El Nido Resort, Peninsula Manila, Microtel Inns & Suites Boracay, Plantation Bay Resort, Baguio Country Club, Holiday Inn Hotels, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila and American Hospitality Academy drew bids from the assembled guests.

The guests – our AmCham members and friends from the business community, members of the diplomatic corps and other organizations – were ushered into the elegant white and black ballroom with the blast of brass horns from the Executive Band.

Mc Ricky Quiogue welcomed the guests and the program began. Mr. Sanjiv Vohra, Vice President of the chamber, welcomed guests and Mr. Ed Feist, President of the AmCham Foundation, added his words of welcome and the MANY and valued sponsors. Mr. Patrick Wall Senior Commercial Officer of US Foreign Commercial Service deliver the Thanksgiving message

The waiters did a parade for the presidential table while serving the main course which is the Oven Roasted Turkey with Bread, Sage & Celery Stuffing, Cranberry Relish Sweet PotatoGratin, Carrots & Zucchini with mini corn muffins.

Ms. Chit Ventura, Chair of the CSR Committee took to the podium to award the second of what will be an every two years event, CSR Awards ceremony which honored companies with outstanding CSR programs. The categories and winners were:

Improving Quality and Access to Education
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES
BRIGHT MINDS READ

Delivering Equitable Healthcare
DOLE PHILIPPINES INC.
THE BANGA PINOY: FERROCEMENT WATER TANK COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEM PROJECT

Creating and Sustainable Livelihood
CHEVRON PHILIPPINES, INC.
KAPATID


Ensuring a Safe and Clean Environment
CALENERGY INTERNATIONAL SERVICES INC.
BUILD OUR FOREST, BUILD OUR FUTURE
Peace in Conflict-Ridden Areas (Special Awards 2009)
QUEZON POWER (PHILIPPINES) LMITED CO
SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM (CAGSIAY 1 MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE)

Most Promising CSR Program (Special Award)
CHEVRON PHILIPPINES, INC,
PROJECT SEAHORSE: MAMINTAW MARINE PARK SANCTUARY

The evening continued with the fabulous Farida Laura, Ricky Quiogue and the Executive Band, with the full brass section that dished out great 1950’s melodies.

We thank all our more than 250 guests and supportive sponsors who for the past 22 years of celebrating Thanksgiving in Manila have always helped the AmCham Foundation Programs one way or another.

The 22nd AmCham Thanksgiving Ball is brought to you by Ford Group Philippines (Theme Sponsor); Chevron Philippines Inc., Goodyear Philippines, Quezon Power Ltd; American Eye (Diamond Sponsors); Northwest Airlines (Emerald Sponsor); Abbott Laboratories, Peregrine, OSG Ship Management Manila, Inc. (Platinum Sponsor); Globe Telecom, Hawaiian Airlines, El Nido Resort (Silver Sponsor); Globe Telecom (Wine Sponsor); Asian Tigers Lane Moving, Coca-cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. (Function Sponsors).

Our special thanks to the following:
7107 Islands Cruise * American Eye Center * American Hospitality Academy * Asian Hospital and Medical Center * Avon Cosmetics, Inc. * Baguio Country Club * Cibo * Coca-Cola Far East Ltd. * Dam Good Stuff, Inc * DHL Express, Phils. * Dusit Thani Manila * El Nido Resorts * Forth & Tay * Fraser Place * Holiday Inn Clark * Johnson & Johnson (Phils.) Inc * Kristine Shells * Makati Shangrila * Microtel Inn & Suits * New World Hotel Makati City Manila * Ocean Adventure * Pepsi Co Inc. * Philippine Airline * Plantation Bay Resort * San Miguel Corp. * SC Johnson * Silk Cocoon * Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila * Tesoro Group of Companies * The Bellevue Manila * The Hersheys Company * The Manila Peninsula * The Manor Camp John Hay * Villa Escudero Plantation and Resorts

Friends In Deed, September 2009

AmCham Foundation says 'Thank you'

Just recently, the Philippines experienced how Typhoon Ondoy had taken about 246 lives, some still missing; leaving many families homeless and some people injured. We understand the pain of losing a loved ones, of being homeless and of getting injured. In this time of calamity, individual and corporate companies unite together to contribute to the victims. Earlier this week, AmCham Foundation appealed to the members of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines to donate either in cash/check or in-kind. Others have expressed to give their time and services. The effort and willingness to give of these individuals and corporations are being appreciated and AmCham Foundation would like to thank everyone that has given their share of contribution. In the earlier post, some of the AmCham members were already mentioned and as a continuation, we would like to special mention also the following: HOWARD FRANKMAN & JOHN SINCAK (former AmCham member who are now in the US), EDWIN FEIST of ABBOTT LABORATORIES, JEFF GILL, QUEZON POWER (PHILIPPINES)LIMITED CO., SERGE E. GRYNKEWICH II, GREG REICHOW, NUSKIN INTERNATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGNANCES, INC.,and COVANTA PHILIPPINES OPERATING, INC.

We still encourage everyone to participate and support activities in helping the victims left by Typhoon Ondoy.

Typhoon Ondoy Relief Operations: Thank you donors

AmCham Foundation in its effort to mobilize resources for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy would like to thank for the immediate response of support given by STEVE DIVERS of DELTEK SYSTEMS, AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN of CAREPAK MOVING & STORAGE, the AMERICAN CHAMBER STAFF, DAN SPINKS of FLUOR DANIEL INC. - PHILIPPINES and Ms. MARITES DAGDAG of CLOROX INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES, INC.

We still encourage everyone to participate in and support activities in helping the typhoon victims.

For cash/check contribution you may deposit to the following account:
Name of Account: AMERICAN CHAMBER FOUNDATION PHILIPPINES, INC.
Account Number: CA #0041-0307-47
Bank: Bank of the Philippine Island
Greenbelt Branch

For proper accounting and to facilitate issuance of official receipts and tax deduction certificates, please fax a copy of your bank deposit slip, or telegraphic form and therein indicate the name of the donor and contact details.

For paypal donation, you may visit our website: www.amchamfoundation.com and click the donate icon. You may email us at del@amchamphilippines.com or amchamfdn@amchamphilippines.com for any support that you can extend to the victims.

It feels good and blessed to help.

Typhoon Ondoy: The worst natural disaster within almost 4 decades

Typhoon Ondoy is the worst natural disaster within almost four decades of floods in Metro Manila. It brought about 240 deaths as reported today and many still missing and homeless families.

The American Chamber Foundation is appealing for donations for the victims of the recent flood.

They are preparing relief operations and will be working in coordination with CNDR to deliver relief goods to the flood victims.

You can give your donations to the following offices:

American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines
2nd Floor, Corinthian Plaza, Paseo de Roxas, Legaspi Village
Makati City

American Chamber Foundation of the Philippines
Leonard Benjamin Development Center
4554 Casino cor. Olivares Streets, Palanan,
Makati City

Or you can call us at the following numbers to pick up your donations: 8340184 and 5518060.

You can send us an email at karina@amchamphilippines.com, linda@amchamphilippines.com

There is a lot of assistance needed in areas that were flooded.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

Photo is copied from the email circulated by a friend.

The AmCham Advantage

Good fortune arriving at one’s doorstep is hardly a common event to witness. In Kharren Gomez’s (aged 16) case, however, just the exact thing happened and quite literally at that.

In 2004, when Kharren left Don Bosco Alabang and its informal education system, the American Chamber Foundation surprised her and her family when, right in their house, it presented her with an invitation for a scholarship grant. Living in a family with seven siblings, and being the third from the eldest, Kharren explained that, “financial issue was the major factor, of course, in grabbing the opportunity for the scholarship grant. I felt really happy when I got the scholarship. Now, it helps me a lot in my everyday expenses at school. In a way, it also eases the financial difficulties of our family.”

It was not only financially that AmCham was able to extend its assistance to Kharren. In several of her classes, she was ahead of her classmates because the lessons have already been covered by some of AmCham’s seminars. “My student life is wonderful because of AmCham. The topics we talk about during seminars get discussed in some of my classes as well; for example, reproductive health. When questions about it were raised in class, I already had prior knowledge, so among my classmates, I was advanced,” Kharren proudly shared. “Sometimes, I do feel pressure when studying, though. But that’s just in school. AmCham doesn’t pressure me,” she added.

Among the activities she has attended, Kharren found the youth camps and peer education the most memorable. “We were tasked to do activities for the monthly meetings. For instance, before the start of classes, we held activities on encouraging the students to go to class and study harder.”

More than the backing of AmCham Foundation for Kharren’s education, personality development is one asset she truly treasures. Kharren, with ringing laughter, revealed, “At first, I was totally quiet around here. I was shy but not anymore; I’ve changed. Now, it’s like I’m all out! I’m able to bond with other people, especially with other scholars.”

In terms of her family, she developed a closer relationship with her mother: “Before, I don’t talk with my mom that much. That changed as well. We now have times when we talk a lot about ourselves and family.”

As for personal changes, Kharren stated, “I remember there was one time in the training room when the facilitator asked us to give something that would symbolize our goals. He asked us to search for it in the room while we were blindfolded. It took me quite some time to find mine, but when I got it, he threw it away again! In the end, the message he was trying to convey was something like, ‘This is your goal. You’ve got it but it suddenly slips away. What are you going to do?’ That got me thinking a lot. I value myself more than ever now. I try my hardest to reach whatever goal I set and hold it with me.”

Finally, expressing her gratitude for the foundation that once entered her door, she addressed AmCham, “Thank you, because it was through you that I deepened my knowledge and enhance my talents. Thank you, because you’ve already provided me with a lot of help. Thank you.”
——Judith Ann Ochengco

S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. marks its 10th year of partnership with AmCham Foundation

Education in the Philippines has become a privilege only for those who can afford it. In most cases, poverty is the major hindrance to receiving a full education. Through the years, government, due to limited resources, has called on the private sector to support its mission of providing basic services to those in need. A growing proof of this show of support for public welfare is the increasing number of firms, including American corporations, implementing programs to benefit the less-fortunate as part of their corporate social responsibility.

As the socio-civic arm of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, the American Chamber Foundation Phils., Inc. (ACFPI), has been encouraging members of the Chamber to support the Foundation’s programs focused on youth development. It also continues to tap their corporate resources (cash contributions, in-kind donations, technical expertise, and employee volunteers) for use in its various programs.

S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. is a corporate partner of the AmCham Foundation in its Educational Assistance Program for poor but deserving Filipino youth. It has sent 50 youth for a vocational course at Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI) for about 10 years already.

On August 19, 2009 the Foundation presented the School Year 2009/2010 scholars to S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Once more on its 10^th year of partnership with AmCham Foundation, S.C. Johnson & Inc. continues to live its principle – “The goodwill of the people is the only enduring thing in any business. It is the sole substance…the rest is shadow!”

First Photo: Seated are the new scholars (L to R): Calvin Cogtong, Garry Risaba, Jocelyn Mata, Alice Ullang and Rose Ann Arante

Standing (L to R): Del Hilario, Program Manager AmCham Foundation; Floyd Pedernal, Sales Director S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.; Gloria Panganiban, HR Director - Malay Cluster & Manila Shared Service Center S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.; Rob Sears, Executive Director American Chamber of Commerce; Jun Salipsip, Executive Director AmCham Foundation; Bro. Elmer Rodriguez, SDB, Industrial Relation and Resource Mobilization Officer Don Bosco Technical Institute; Mon Daez, General Manager-Malay Cluster S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.; Catherine Lee, HR Manager-Malay Cluster; Maria Fe Orense, Marketing Director and Chato Tolentino, Executive Assistant Office of the General Manager and Marketing Department S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.

Second Photo: L to R: Floyd Pedernal, Sales Director S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.; Rob Sears, Executive Director American Chamber of Commerce; Gloria Panganiban, HR Director - Malay Cluster & Manila Shared Service Center S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.; Jun Salipsip, Executive Director AmCham Foundation; Mon Daez, General Manager-Malay Cluster S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.; Bro. Elmer Rodriguez, SDB, Industrial Relation and Resource Mobilization Officer Don Bosco Technical Institute; Maria Fe Orense, Marketing Director and Catherine Lee, HR Manager-Malay Cluster S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.

21st Golf Tournament

Golf and ChariTee: Swinging for a Cause!

The American Chamber of Commerce invites you to its 21st AmCham ChariTee Golf Tournament on September 18, 2009 at Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club. Registration starts at 6am, with shotgun start at 7:30am. The tournament follows the System 36 format.

Golfers with a heart dedicate their time, treasure and tee for this annual charity golf to benefit the Street Children and Scholarship Programs of the American Chamber Foundation. These programs provide dental, medical and educational assistance to former streetchildren and urban poor youth of Manila.

Participation fee is P4,000 which includes green fee, caddie fee, buffet breakfast and lunch. We encourage the ladies to join with a special rate of P3,500. Checks should be payable to the American Chamber Foundation Philippines, Inc.

Along with the major tournament awards, we are also giving away special skill awards such as Longest Drive, Nearest to the Line, Closest to the Pin and Drive and Pitch.

Enhancing Corporate Involvement in Disaster Management: An Invitation

Friends In Deed, July 2009

Friends In Deed, June 2009 issue (an official newsletter of AmCham Foundation)

AmCham Foundation - History

The Amcham Foundation of the Philippines was started as a Public Relations Committee in the early 1980’s. It was a period of turbulent change in the country. There were continuing political demonstrations in the streets of Makati and some parts of the country demanding change. The demonstrations created uncertainty thereby contributing to the decline in the economy, aggravated by increasing oil prices and a decline in the prices of commodities being exported by the Philippines. The banks stopped granting credit thereby restricting importation contributing to the closure of some factories for lack of raw materials. The layoff of factory workers contributed to the worsening unemployment problem and the resulting social problems were enormous. The leftist elements took advantage of this situation to push through their own agenda of blaming not only the administration for the debacle but also the multinational companies whom they termed “carpetbaggers”. The members of the American Chamber of the Philippines felt this was an unwarranted accusation and wanted to overcome this propaganda. The chamber formed the Public Relations Committee, to showcase how American businesses practiced good corporate citizenship by complying with the laws and providing benefits to the country through the payment of correct business taxes; by improving productivity through the technology they bring to the country; by giving better employee benefits, and by the training they provide their employees - making them better employees and thus enabling them to earn more for their families.

By 1985, the Public Relations Committee was also called upon by its members to do more through involvement in philanthropic work for the community in the areas of disaster relief, health, education, livelihood programs and other community development work. Some of the outstanding collaborative community work done by the Amcham Foundation with the members of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines at that time was as follows:

· Establish the Carlos P. Romulo Professorial Chair in Journalism at the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication

· Distribution of over a million books nationwide in cooperation with Amcham member companies like Coca Cola and other civic organizations like Rotary.

· Joint disaster relief operations in many of the areas devastated by typhoons in collaboration with chamber members and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP)

· Catfish growing and fattening in Tarlac in cooperation with the Andres Soriano Jr. Foundation

· Core Shelter Housing project in response to an appeal from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

· Repair and painting of the Boystown facilities by the GE and the Amcham Foundation employees.

· Job search for the Amerasians in the Philippines in cooperation with USAID, the Philippine American Guardian Association (PAGA), and the American Association of the Philippines (AAP).

· Establish scholarship programs for needy but deserving students through several generous member “patrons” of the chamber.

· Administration of S C Johnson’s education program

· Start-up of a computer literacy program amongst its scholars and the children in Boystown through the generous help of Microsoft, Chevron, Mirant, and Quezon Power.

· Farmer and community assistance through the help of Philip Morris

· Establish the Leonard Benjamin Center for Development for street children through the generous grant from Leonard Benjamin

Thus, late in 1985, it made sense to register the Public Relations Committee with the Security and Exchange Commission, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Department of Trade, and the City of Makati as the American Chamber Foundation of the Philippines in order to be able to issue tax deduction certificates for donations to the Foundation. That was 24 years ago and a lot has changed, except for the fact that the Philippines today is still faced with the same social, political and economic issues.

One of the major changes that had great impact on the world economy and business was deregulation. The work of the WTO and other world bodies to deregulate the economies of the world was given a boost by the development and growth of the Internet in 1995. Improvement in communication allowed multinational companies to manage their far flung operations around the globe and with deregulation some of the operations of the multinational companies had been moved to countries that allowed them to operate at lower cost. The image of the multinational companies changed almost overnight from being “carpetbaggers” to ones who provide job opportunities and development opportunities in the countries where they invest.

The expansion of multinational companies into other countries however created some problems that come from either a clash in culture, or in their ethical practices, or in legal procedures, or in the social consequences of the company’s operation in a certain location. These clashes created pressure groups and activism that multinational companies had to address to lessen the tension between business and society. Many American multinational companies addressed the ensuing problems by either working with the Amcham Foundation or by forming their own corporate groups or corporate foundations to demonstrate social responsibility through community work, environmental protection, education, and livelihood programs. Many of the multinational companies institutionalized their activity by providing annual budgets to ensure that their community work continuously demonstrates their respect for the people and the environment. It was is also done to placate pressure groups, and to enhance corporate image.

In “Beyond Profit,” a publication of the American Chamber Foundation we have cited some of the member companies for their community work some of which are mentioned below:

Abbott Laboratories

· A safe haven for abandoned children who are physically and mentally challenged in the “Chosen Children Village”

· The Jose Rizal University-Abbott Computer Literacy Project for the Barangays

Chevron

· Livelihood Programs: Pugad Pandesal, Loaves & Fishes-Pan De Marcelino, Kapatid Program

· Environmental Stewardship Programs: Philippine Eagle Foundation, Chevron Partnership with Project Seahorse

· Education and Volunteer Program: Caltex Mentor Program: Drive to Literacy, Brigada Eskwela

· Basic Human Needs: Good Roots, The Global Fund Corporate Champion to Fight TB

Philip Morris

· Recognition and Awards: Philip Art Awards, Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards

· Education: Brigada Eskwela, Teacher for a Day

Ford

· Employee volunteerism: work with Gawad Kalinga to build shelters

· Road Safety Program

· Driving Skills Program

Quezon Power

· Education: free college education and vocational-technical courses to the most qualified students in partnership with the University of the Philippines Open University

· Medical and Dental Mission to the forty barangays in Mauban Quezon

· Livelihood Programs: micro entrepreneurship, integrated farming, and cooperatives.

· Environmental Programs: Pawikan Conservation Program, Clam Seeding Program, Reforestation Program

Coca Cola

· Education: The Little Red School Program to provide school buildings, and train teachers in multi-grade instructions

S. C. Johnson

· Health: Dengue Prevention Program, Sagip-Mata, Children Cancer Ward of the Philippine Orthopedic Center

· Education: Full scholarship programs with Ateneo de Davao University, Siliman University and the Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise in Cebu City.

Convergys Corporation

· Education: contribution to “Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation” (reading program for the public elementary schools in the Philippines), and Parish Urchins at Don Bosco Technical Institute (rehabilitation for street children and migrant youth)

Today, some American multinational companies have begun addressing some of the development issues faced by the world today through the development of products that lessens carbon emissions or services that address the livelihood needs of the people at the bottom of the pyramid. The Amcham Foundation is working with some member companies in this new direction.