Championing Global Citizenship: UPS Philippines Strengthens Employee Volunteerism

Exemplifying the values of volunteerism and community service, over 150 UPS employees in the Philippines contributed more than 2,235 volunteer hours in 2018. This is part of a larger effort wherein UPS employees around the world, together with their families and friends, get together throughout the year for the shared goal of creating a positive and lasting impact in their communities.

Instilling a culture of unity and purpose allows UPS to cultivate a workforce that is dedicated not only to professional advancement, but also to personal growth.

“It is our continuous aspiration to reach out to communities in need through UPS’s employee-driven volunteerism. Every year, we strengthen our efforts further by identifying some of the most pressing problems that affect our areas of operation and acting to solve them,” said Chris Buono, Managing Director, UPS Philippines.

Commitment to Children

As a member of IMPACT 2030, the collaboration of the United Nations and the private sector, UPS aligns its volunteer activities with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In the Philippines, UPS collaborated with local non-government organizations (NGOs) for youth development, disaster relief aid, and environmental conservation.

Consistent with the company’s previous engagement with Project PEARLS, a local NGO caring for impoverished children, UPS employees worked with the organization to promote two SDGs—‘No Poverty’ (Goal 1) and ‘Zero Hunger’ (Goal 2). UPS volunteers conducted a feeding program with the kids of Project PEARLS, as part of efforts to decrease the incidence of child malnutrition in one of Metro Manila’s largest slum areas.

Moreover, UPS volunteers advocated for ‘Quality Education’ (Goal 4) by visiting and donating school supplies to the Little Home of Nazareth, which provides young children with housing, education, clothing, food, and medical and dental care. Through these provisions, the organization gives children the opportunity to grow in freedom and independence.

In addition, UPS Philippines also held reading sessions and distributed school supplies to Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid (2KK), a local NGO that builds sustainable communities by providing underprivileged youth in low-income neighborhoods with financial assistance and mentorship.

“A considerable portion of the Philippine population today comprise youth who face numerous challenges that affect their lives; and ultimately what our future will be. At UPS, we find that by caring for young people and giving them the tools that they need to succeed, we open possibilities in developing them to be leaders, and closing the poverty, hunger, and educational gap,” said Buono.

Promoting Thriving Societies

Meanwhile, to boost Good Health and Well-being (Goal 3) and in support of the Philippine Red Cross, UPSers chose one out of their six major services—Blood Services, Disaster Management Services, Safety Services, Health Services, Social Services, Red Cross Youth and Volunteer Services—and donated blood to the organization, which is one of the major blood suppliers in the country.

Meanwhile, in addressing environmental degradation and supporting Climate Action (Goal 13), UPS employees participated in the Coastal Clean-up Day with the Earth Day Network Philippines Inc. (EDNPI). Considered the world’s largest volunteer day for environmental conservation, the event raises awareness on marine debris and encourages stewardship for water resources. UPS volunteers in Cebu also helped in the repacking of goods for distribution to the victims of Typhoon Ompong, which struck heavy damage in agriculture and infrastructure.

“Environmental responsibility matters to us as it ensures that we are taking action in increasing overall sustainability and, in the process, improving the lives of our neighbors and creating better connections with the communities we operate and serve in,” shared Buono.

Larger Goal and Impact

This year saw an unprecedented level of engagement, with more than 26,000 UPSers completing over 2,000 community service events across five continents. Collectively, UPS employees devoted over 430,000 volunteer hours globally.

“Creating ties with local NGOs allow us to combine our resources with their capabilities, accomplishing more than we can alone. With the support of humanitarian and environmental groups, UPS takes a greater stride in contributing to the overall well-being of the communities where we live and work,” added Buono.

UPS’s initiatives are geared toward fulfilling their commitment to volunteer 20 million community service hours by the end of 2020. To date, they have already reached 80 percent of its goal.