Twenty Lopez Group executives and 16 Lopez family members signed recently the Lopez group corporate social responsibility (CSR) Magna Carta. Led by second generation Lopezes, Oscar, Presy and Manolo; and the third generation led by nephew Eugenio Lopez III, the signing marked the commitment of family members and chief executives to its guiding principles.

In his message to the Lopez CSR family, Oscar M. Lopez, said: “The Magna Carta for CSR is a compact that binds us to the values that define the Lopez family and the conduct of its businesses.  We are all, in that sense, Lopez citizens; united by those values, yet, independent to chart our own paths.”   The Lopez values are – a pioneering entrepreneurial spirit, business excellence, nationalism, team work, strong work ethic, integrity, social justice, and concern for employee welfare and wellness.

The historic document noted that, for maximum and sustained impact, CSR will be made an integral part of the business models of the respective companies. Innovative ways would be continually explored to integrate and deliver CSR programs, aligned with the strategic objectives of their various businesses.

 "As Lopez citizens," the Magna Carta states, "we will be open to change, but our commitment to Lopez values will not.  We know from experience that it is by living according to these values that our companies can be built to last, and continually benefit the societies they serve." 

Mr. Lopez commended LGFI President Rafael M. Alunan III and his staff – Dario Pagcaliwagan, Dulce Baybay, Vanessa Suquila and Faith Bacon – for “initiating and steering the process” that began in October 2008 after the INSYNC Conference on Business Excellence and CSR.  In reference to that gathering Mr. Alunan said, “When an organization reaches a point where its various parts perform in ways that seemingly lack focus and cohesion, it is time to get its act together.”

Mr. Lopez said that “the Magna Carta is the embodiment of who we are and what we bind ourselves to for people, planet and profit.”  He expressed the need for collaboration amongst LGFI and the Group’s HR and PR Councils to cascade the Magna Carta “to every Lopez employee before the first quarter is over.”