No matter where the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation has a presence, expect the bank’s people to deliver the same level of passion and commitment its head office in London holds for the well-being of the communities where it operates. For its community work, HSBC has chosen to target the education of underprivileged children and environmental causes. It allots at least 75% of social funds to projects and activities that benefit these two areas.

The Philippine branch is no exception. Having been in the country for the past 130 years, HSBC has initiated and implemented several projects geared towards the youth, education, and the environment. But what makes the social endeavors of HSBC stand out among the equally noble projects of other banks is the personality given to the projects by no less than HSBC’s top man in the Philippines himself, CEO Warner Manning. Manning has spearheaded most of these activities himself, generating much interest not only in business circles but in the media as well.

Unique Ideas

In March 2005, Manning led his staff volunteers in laying the foundations of the first few houses that they helped build for victims of the December 2004 typhoon in Nueva Ecija. This was in partnership with Gawad Kalinga, an advocacy of church-based Couples for Christ members.

A month later, the HSBC CEO hurdled what he said “was the greatest physical challenge of my life”— running 10 kilometers and biking 20 kilometers around the La Mesa forest. He was able to raise P800,000 for the Children’s Hour and the reforestation of the La Mesa watershed.

Manning’s generosity goes beyond the traditional donation of cash and resources. His novel ways of raising funds for chosen beneficiaries demonstrate the attention he gives to every project. Last year, Manning held the “Walk with Warner” marathon, where he ran 15 kilometers from Binondo, Manila—the site of the first HSBC in the Philippines—to The Fort in Taguig City—the location of one of the newest HSBC branches. During the event, he raised over P600,000 by way of donations from HSBC friends and supporters who pledged to donate an amount for every kilometer that Manning covered during the walk. In 2003, he raised over P200,000 through the “Watch Warner’s Weight” project. Manning matched every pledge that staff, friends, and supporters committed to donate for every pound that Manning lost (he lost 23).

According to Manning, promoting corporate social responsibility is a mandate that originates from the top, all the way from the HSBC Group chairman in London down to all country officers around the world.

“I have to take the lead if I am going to set an example for the HSBC staff who are fully involved in all these projects,” he said. “Second, I believe the projects had to be difficult, something considered a sacrifice. Losing 23 pounds and running 15 kilometers for an old man like me can be challenging.”

Education is one of the primary thrusts of HSBC’s outreach projects

Education Beneficiaries

In its corporate responsibility programs, HSBC strongly believes that education is crucial to the development and prosperity of every country. Education is the engine of economic development and a route to personal success, as every HSBC staff is told.

To promote the joy and habit of reading among young public-school children, HSBC initiated a program called “Love for Reading” or “Pagmamahal sa Pagbabasa.” The activity aims to involve parents in teaching their children how to read and to equip them with the proper knowledge and tools. Parents are taught how to give reading lessons and prepare lesson plans.

For the past few years, HSBC has been working with public elementary schools to set up HSBC READiscovery Centers, which are world-class libraries and multimedia learning facilities, to promote reading among underprivileged children.

HSBC encourages its staff volunteers to spend one Saturday morning a month in the READiscovery Centers. Bank staff can either act as library aides, assisting the librarians in library management, or facilitate learning sessions that promote reading. The aim is to strengthen HSBC’s staff volunteer program, provide creative volunteering ideas, and enhance the structure of the program.

“One of the things we found out is that there is a direct relationship between an employee’s engagement in the company’s programs and the company’s profitability,” Manning said.

Environment Beneficiaries

To do its share in protecting the environment, HSBC works hand in hand with the World Wildlife Fund–

Philippines in a marine conservation and research program in Palawan, one of the richest biodiversity sites in the Philippines. What began as a program to protect the endangered dugong has evolved into a more comprehensive undertaking, encompassing seagrass research, seaweed farming, and community development programs for fishermen in the area and their families.

To encourage employees’ support for environmental programs, HSBC makes available a budget of US$500 for any group that would like to start their own conservation project. “This entices the staff to form themselves into groups and carry out the volunteer project of their choice. They can also choose from the bank’s list of projects,” Manning said.
Aside from the education and environment focus, HSBC also supports programs that benefit children in general and initiatives that promote a deeper appreciation of heritage and a sense of culture. These include the Children’s Hour project and art programs that contribute to local audience development.

Other Causes

In 2003, HSBC launched the “Young IT Entrepreneur Awards,” which encourages college students to generate business ideas involving the use or application of information technology.

The other causes that HSBC supports include the Stepping Stone Learning Center, the Cancer Society, and an orphanage, CRIBBS.

HSBC is also busy preparing for the opening of the Eco Lab and Museum at the La Mesa Park early next year.

“There are other things that we get asked to do and to support, but we can only do so much,” Manning said. Certainly, with all that Manning and his corps of HSBC volunteers have accomplished, one could not ask for more.