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You're looking at our new document page format. If you prefer the old one, click here. Have any thoughts? Leave us your feedback. D I S T A N C E L E A R N I N G P R O G R A M ON THERULES OF CONDUCTAND ETHICAL BEHAVIORIN THECIVIL SERVICE Submitted by:TRINIDAD B. DARUNDAY September 13, 2010 LESSON ITHE NORMS OF CONDUCT FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALSAND EMPLOYEES With the definition of Commitment to Public Interest, the following are the best manifestations of commitment to public interest :1 . D i s p o s e g a r b a g e p r o p e r l y 2 . T a k e c a r e o f o f f i c e e q u i p m e n t a s i f t h e y a r e y o u r o w n s o t h a t t h e y w i l l n o t break down easily3.Preserve public property and domain4 . E x p o s e g r a f t a n d c o r r u p t i o n 5 . R e c y c l e o f f i c e s u p p l i e s 6.Expose hazards to health in the community 7 . U s e o f f i c e s u p p l i e s e c o n o m i c a l l y REFLECTION FOR DEEPENING How can you show your commitment to public interest? I can show my commitment to public interest by doing my job well to t h e best of my abilitiesand capabilities.As a government employee, one must dedicate his full personal service and d e d i c a t i o n t o w o r k f o r t h e b e n e f i t o f t h e p u b l i c w h o a t a l l t i m e r e l i e s o n t h e government employees for help in the procedural matters in any government officeor agency.A s a g o v e r n m e n t e m p l o y e e , I c a n s h o w c o m m i t m e n t t o p u b l i c s e r v i c e b y extending work beyond office hours when the public and necessity requires me, likepostponement of coffee and lunch breaks when the need arises. PROFESSIONALISM REFLECTION FOR DEEPENING How can you become m ore professional? How can you improve the work you do in the office to improve your service to the public? I can become more professional by being more focus to the importance of my job, by first realizing that I am important to public service. In this way I wouldvalue myself as an indispensable part of the office wherein which I am working. Then I could now incorporate the five dimensions of professionalism. In my job as a public servant, I would more efficient if I am more skilled andknowledgeable thus, I have to be more attentive and eager to have opportunities toupgrade my knowledge and skills. I have to read books relative to my job and if g i v e n t h e opportunity, attend workshops and seminars to augment my s t o c k knowledge and expertise.I t i s a l s o n e c e s s a r y t h a t I b e a b l e t o b r i n g m y s e l f t o t h e s t a n d a r d s o f measure with which my office expects of me. I can do this by having that level of d e d i c a t i o n w h i c h w o u l d s a t i s f y n o t o n l y m y i m m e d i a t e s u p e r i o r s b u t m y c o - employees and the public-client as well.When I have attained the confidence and trust of my supervisors and fellowworkers then common group spirit will exist and the supportive

environment amongu s w i l l n e c e s s a r y f o l l o w a n d o u r s e r v i c e t o t h e p u b l i c w i l l b e b e t t e r a n d m o r e efficient. POLITICAL NEUTRALITY REFLECTION FOR DEEPENING How can you put into practice neutrality? Although it is very hard for a patriotic Filipino to do away with p o l i t i c a l partisan, for by nature every Filipino is clannish and once he identifies himself witha certain party or group he goes with it through thick and thin, one should strive tobe neutral and open-minded to political issues and avoid being identified supporterof a certain political figure or party.I t i s i m p o r t a n t f o r a g o v e r n m e n t e m p l o y e e n o t t o b e i d e n t i f i e d w i t h o n e political party and unbiased in his political life.I could practice political neutrality by being impartial and objective in the service of my duty and responsibility in the face of political pressure.I should never use the power of my office to further my political affiliationsa n d p u t p r e s s u r e o n m y s u b o r d i n a t e s a n d w o r k e r s t o v o t e f o r t h e p a r t y I h a v e chosen. JUSTNESS AND SINCERITY REFLECTION FOR DEEPENING 1.What can you conclude from your story or experience? Based on my experience where my honesty is tested, I can say that I dont have any regret from what I did, when I told to my mom what I sawto my dad about his other woman because it pays, they live happily ever after. 2.What can you say about honesty? About being just and sincere? I can say that honesty is still the best policy. It is the rarest wealthanyone can possess. If you are sincere and just in your dealings w i t h other people, they would praise you for being so and in return they woulddeal with you sincerely and justly. 3 . H o w c a n y o u s h o w j u s t n e s s a n d s i n c e r i t y i n t h e p e r f o r m a n c e o f your work? I can show justness and sincerity in the performance of my work bybeing attentive to the needs of the people who come to the office for our s e r v i c e s . B y o f f e r i n g m y h e l p a n d b y g i v i n g a d v i s e t o t h e m h o w t o facilitate their concerns by following the procedures. RESPONSIVENESS TO THE PUBLIC B. How can you show Responsiveness? What realizations did you gain from this session? I can show responsiveness by:1 . b e i n g a w a r e o f o t h e r p e o p l e s n e e d s w i t h a b i l i t y t o g i v e t h e a p p r o p r i a t e assistance to such needs2 . b e i n g s e n s i t i v e t o t h e n e e d s a n d d e m a n d s o f t h e c l i e n t w h e r e d e l i v e r y o f public goods and services are concerned3.being courteous, prompt and adequate in serving people4.being mindful of how the people who go to my office feel 5 . b e i n g a t s e r v i c e t o t h e p e o p l e f i r s t . I realize from this session that if only we as a government employee movefaster of thingswe know that may create problems we will be able to avoid it and solve it before itbecomes worst.I realize also that if we will only be guided by the golden rule do not do untoo t h e r s , w h a t y o u d o n t w a n t t o d o u n t o y o u , w e w i l l b e m o r e r e s p o n s i v e t o t h e needs of others. NATIONALISM AND PATRIOTISM My Feelings as a Filipino As a Filipino, I feel that the Philippines is the only country for me where Iwant to live in and to grow old. When we look at each other, we dont look thesame. We look different from each other, but the same or d i f f e r e n t , w e a r e a l l Filipinos.We as Filipino has a country which is rich in land and

water. This is where weget the things we need. If I will be born again, still I want to remain as Filipino.REFLECTION FOR DEEPENING 1.How do you feel now for the country? Do you now feel a sense o f pride for her knowing how powerful Filipinos are as a people? How would you show your love her? How much do you care about her? After reading this session, I feel so proud for the Philippines as my country.I now feel a sense of pride for my country knowing how powerful Filipinos are as a p e o p l e . I would show my love for my country by taking care of our n a t u r a l resources because it is where we get the things we need. We get food, clothing andshelter from the trees and plants that grow in our land. We get seafood from ourwaters. I care so much for the Philippines. I will only patronize our own products forus to be richer compared to other country. 11. Eight (8) things I can be proud about Filipinos o r a b o u t t h e Philippines: DESCRIPTION WHY DO YOU SAY SO? 1.Filipinos are honest We return things that do not belong to us l i k e s o m e t a x i d r i v e r s w h o r e c o v e r e d and returned lost b e l o n g i n g s t o r i g h t f u l owners2 . F i l i p i n o s a r e r e s p e c t f u l l W e u s e p o a n d o p o t o g i v e r e s p e c t t o t h e elders3 . P h i l i p p i n e s h a s beautifulT o u r i s t s p o t s W e h a v e t h e B a n a w e R i c e terraces, Chocolate Hills, Pagsanjan F a l l s that can only be found here.4.Philippines has also man We have the Burnham park in Baguio.made Tourist attractions. 5.Filipinos are kind and loving peopleWe are hospitable to v i s i t o r s a n d w e help others.6 . T h e P h i l i p p i n e s i s r i c h i n n a t u r a l W e have so many gold mines andR e s o u r c e s o t h e r v a l u a b l e m i n e r a l d e p o s i t s . 7 . F i l i p i n o s a r e G o d - f e a r i n g p e o p l e W e a b i d e t h e l a w s o f G o d a n d n a t u r e . 8 . T h e P h i l i p p i n e s i s a f r e e c o u n t r y W e l i v e i n a d e m o c r a t i c s o c i e t y . COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY REFLECTION FOR DEEPENING 11. Would you write in one paragraph your feelings or insights about theimportance of democracy in a free and just society? Use another sheet of paper if space is not enough. Men are born free and from the first moment that he came into this world heenjoyed freedom. Anything that would hinder or deprive him of his freedom is notgood for him. In that sense, nothing would suit a free -spiritual individual like meo t h e r t h a n d e m o c r a c y a s a w a y o f l i f e a n d a s a f o r m o f g o v e r n m e n t . H a v i n g enjoyed liberty and freedom since birth, it is both important and necessary that democracy be maintained for the rest of my life. SIMPLE LIVING REFLECTION FOR DEEPENING A.

Write your insights by completing the following sentences. You can come up with as many sentences as you can. I feel. so inadequate, so helpless by not being able to help others.I feel so pitiful for the most unfortunate.I feel weak when I am not able to help the poorest of the poor especially thedisable and the orphan.I feel miserable when I find out that I am too helpless and poor to help thoseless fortunate. I realize. that I am not capable of helping others specially with regards to financial problems and money matters.I realize that I need to help myself first before I can fully help others. I realize that I can also help others who are most in need in so many little ways that I can.I realize that happiness cannot be measured by the quantity of your moneybut how you can help others and serving them smile and say thank you to you. I will. live a simple life so that my life would not be complicated and these would be less problems to think of.I will live a simple life so that I will be contented with what I have and what Ican without sacrificing my dreams and my goals.I w i l l b e a n e x a m p l e t o m y c h i l d r e n a n d m y p e e r s b y l i v i n g m o d e s t y a n d spend on necessity and moderately.I w i l l n o t s q u a n d e r m y s a l a r y o n v i c e s a n d h o n e s t l y e n t r u s t a l l m y d a i l y earnings to my family. LESSON IIOTHER PERTINENT PROVISIONS OF THE CODESELF-CHECK TESTI. True or False: Directions: On the space provided, write the word TRUE if the statement is correctand FALSE if the sentence is not correct.False 1. A Dangal ng Bayan awadee may be promoted to the next higher position.F a l s e 2 . A l l g o v e r n m e n t o f f i c i a l s a n d e m p l o y e e s m u s t a c t p r o m p t l y o n l e t t e r s a n d requests within 30 days from receipt thereof.T r u e 3 . P u b l i c o f f i c i a l s a n d e m p l o y e e s a r e p r o h i b i t e d t o e n g a g e i n t h e p r i v a t e practice of the profession unless authorized by law and will not conflict with their official functions.T r u e 4 . O f f i c i a l p a p e r s a n d d o c u m e n t s m u s t c o n t a i n n o t m o r e t h a n t h r e e ( 3 ) initials or signatures.False5. A contractual worker shall file his/her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth.False6. An employee will no longer divest his/her shareholdings when he/she has resigned from the private enterprise due to conflict of interest. II. Enumeration: Directions: Enumerate the following requirement asked in the problem:A. Two prohibited acts/transactions.1. Having financial or material interest in any transaction requiring approval of your office.2. Engaging in the private practice of your profession unless authorized by lawand provided that such practice will not conflict with your official function.B. Three forms of incentives and rewards any of which may be given to governmentofficials and employees.1 . B o n u s e s 2 . C i t a t i o n s 3.Local and foreign scholarship grants. C. Conflict of interest occurs when the official or employee is:1.An owner or has substantial interest in a business 2 . A p a r t n e r i n a p a r t n e r s h i p 3 . A n o f f i c e r o f t h e c o r p o r a t i o n D. Persons exempted from filing a Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth.1 . T e m p o r a r y w o r k e r s 2 . C a s u a l w o r k e r s 3.Contractual workers or temporary laborers E . P e n a l t i e s t h a t may be imposed under RA 6713 against public officers a n d employees:1 . C r i m i n a l 2 . C i v i l 3 . A d m i n i s t r a t i v e LESSON IIITHE CASESAN ISLAND FIRESTORM If you were the official concern, what would you do after knowingthe findings of the chemist? How would you show commitment to public interest in this case?

If I were the official concern in said situation I would immediately implementthe recommendations of the agency for environment and natural resources. Thechemists from this agency are competent and their findings are most reliable. Theintegrity of their findings cannot be questioned collaterally.I can show commitment to public interest by making known to the public thed a n g e r o f s w i m m i n g i n a n i n f e c t e d s e a . I w i l l l e t t h e p e o p l e k n o w t h a t i t i s n o w unsafe for them to swim around the island.I will immediately inform the tourists that for the time being the resorts onthe islands will be closed until further notice.I w i l l p u t u p necessary measures to curtail the proliferation of t h e contamination. No business permits will be issued until such businesses will complywith the necessary requirements for the maintenance of environment, health andsafety. WANTED: DEAD HEROES If you were in Ricks shoes, how will you respond to the situation? Will you allow Alonzo to pass through or not? Why and why not? In the given situation and circumstance it would be best to inform the CO theillegality of cutting narra trees and it was reasonable that an official of the militarys h o u l d b e t h e o n e t o d e f y t h e l a w . U s e d i p l o m a c y i n d e a l i n g w i t h m e n o f a r m s . Military officers are well -trained and educated. They will understand that it is your duty to enforce the law. The mere fact that the CO has saluted you would lead yout o t h i n k that this man is both a gentleman and an officer who recognizes t h e supremacy of civilian authority over that of the military. It should be noted alsot h a t e v e n t h o u g h t h e y a r e h e a v i l y a r m e d s t i l l t h e t r u c k s t o p a t check point, animplication of lawfulness. Therefore, in the given s i t u a t i o n I w o u l d a s s e r t m y authority by not letting the truck pass the check point. However, if I feel that Alonzo will use arms a nd firepower with e x t r e m e prejudice that may cost the lives of my men and me, logic necessitates that beingoutnumbered, I would, at all cost, avoid a shoot -out between our group and thesoldiers.It is important that I have asserted my authority and informed Alonzo of theillegality of his acts and if by these still he would not back down or follow these Ihave to give in, for I would have some other time and opportunity to persecute andpenalized him if I am still alive than a dead hero. WHAT ELSE CAN I DO? Is whistle blowing to the media acceptable as whistle blowing to anelected national official? Yes, I agree with Glenda in not giving in to the pressure of her superior to justify wrong and illegal acts or transactions, but I disagree on the way she is goingt o d i v u l g e such anomalies. She must first exhaust all administrative r e m e d i e s before she can go to the media or to a senator.Whistle blowing is not wrong per se but if there are other ways with which anissue can be resolved why not try it first.There are administrative and judicial remedies which can be availed of beforesuch anomalies can be made public, so Glenda should first use them before she canannounce them to the world. PICK ME UP Ronnie is now in a quandary. Now, if you are in Ronniess shoes, what would you do? I would return the money to Ms. Santos politely. If asked why, I w o u l d explain to her that there was no need for such a gift for what I have done is just ap a r t o f m y j o b , a n d a f t e r a l l r e c e i v i n g g i f t s a r e n o t a l l o w e d t o a n y g o v e r n m e n t employee. BRING HOME OFFICE GOODIES Which side would you take? Cynthias side or Mely? Why?

I will take the side of Cynthia because she is right. It is not right to t a k e things that do not belong to us, it is tantamount to stealing.Further, it does not make a wrong right just because everyone is doing it, and it does not make a right wrong just because no one approves it. MORE THAN JUST CASINOS What can you say about this? Is something legal also automatically moral? What do you think? The government has created the PAGCOR, LOTTO and THE Sweepstakes toraise revenues to fund Social Institutions and programs for the benefit of the lessfortunate. This is one of the ways wherein the government can generate funds forthe needy in the same time closing -in the ever growing gap between the rich andthe poor.This institutions are legal and the morality issues which can be throw againstsuch institutions are defeated by other moral issues which have more weight in thesense that these institutions where some if not all the vices of life. The root of evil,they say is money, but I say, the lack of it is the root of all evil. When people arehungry, no where to go, sick and unsatisfied they will resort to doing evil just tosatisfy their needs. These institutions provide for some of the b asic needs of thep e o p l e s o w h a t e v e r i m m o r a l i t y m a y b e v i e w e d f r o m t h e constitution of thesea g e n c i e s w i l l b e o u t w e i g h e d b y t h e g o o d t h a t i t d o e s . A n y w a y i t i s u p t o t h e gamblers to choose how they would be living their lives and no one forces anyone to gamble. I CAN AFFORD ANYWAY If you were this employee, would you agree with her o p i n i o n regarding the CSC dress code? Yes I would agree, a government employee should be living in plain modestya n d austerity for we should think about the impression that other people or thepublic may have for us. Wearing jewelries and fancy clothing would l e a d o t h e r people to think that we are benefiting so much from our position in the governmentand that we are doing some illegal or anomalous acts so that we can afford to live alife which is beyond our salaries. GIFTS GALORE Who do you think and Adora and Josie is right? Why? Josie. She is right because it is the duty of a government employee to protectthe office of which one holds. Once an office is known to accept gifts, the notion of the public is that it is corrupt. We should not give the public a chance to put up animpression of notoriety and corruption. FOR OFFICIAL USE ALSO If you happen to chance upon a government service vehicle parked i n p l a c e s where you least expect a government official may transact business with, what will you do? Will you take time to report the incident to the Ombudsman? If not what will you do? Why? I will not report him immediately to the Ombudsman, instead I will try to findout the real reason why that certain government officials vehicle is in that place.There are many ways in which I can find out the real reason of his being there, Ican ask the said official or if not I can ask the owner of the place. If I find out thathe has no business to be there I would inform him politely that what he is doing is a g a i n s t t h e l a w . I s t i l l b e l i e v e i n t h e g o o d n e s s o f e v e r y m a n , t h a t e v e r y m a n i f given chance can still change for the better. HE DOES, I DO What do you think? Who is right, Roy or his boss?

The boss of Roy is right. Every employee is required to be punctual a n d should be aware of his attendance because his physical presence is needed in thep e r f o r m a n c e o f h i s w o r k i n t h e o f f i c e . T h e d u t i e s a n d t a s k s o f t h e r a n k a n d f i l e government employees are mechanical and menial in nature. In contrast, the headof office or those in the managerial positions does not need to be in the office towork or finish his job. H is job does not end within the boundaries of his office orduring office hours but which may go beyond. He can even work while in transportgoing to the office.To show good example to his subordinates, the boss should strive not to belate so that his inferiors would follow his examples. What suggestion do you have for improving this DLP Curriculum? None, it is already complete and perfectly made for all civil service career men and women. EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE STRONGLY AGREE 1.The lessons were writtene f f e c t i v e l y f o r m e t o l e a r n 5 the subject matter.2 . T h e l e s s o n s w e r e logicallyo r g a n i z e d . 5 3.My attitude was enhanceda s a r e s u l t o f t h i s c o u r s e . 5 4 .My knowledge on RA 6713 i n c r e a s e d a s a r e s u l t o f t h i s c o u r s e . 5 5.Overall, I w a s s a t i s f i e d w i t h : Lesson 1 N o r m s o f C o n d u c t 5 2 Other Pertinent Provisions of theC o d e 5 3 T h e C a s e s 5 REFLECTION PAPER After studying and following the guidelines of the module I was able to fullycomprehend the code of conduct of a government employee as provided for by R.A.6713.In the first part of the course I was able to identify and internalize the

eightn o r m s o f c o n d u c t f o r g o v e r n m e n t o f f i c i a l s a n d e m p l o y e e s . T h e e i g h t n o r m s o f conduct are:1 . C o m m i t m e n t t o P u b l i c Interest2 . P r o f e s s i o n a l i s m 3.Justness and Sincerity 4 . P o l i t i c a l N e u t r a l i t y 5.Responsiveness to Public6.Nationalism and P a t r i o t i s m 7 . C o m m i t m e n t t o D e m o c r a c y 8 . S i m p l e L i v i n g . I was also able to learn other pertinent provisions of the code such as:1 . S y s t e m o f i n c e n t i v e s a n d R e w a r d s 2 . P r o h i b i t e d a c t s a n d t r a n s a c t i o n s 3.Duties of public officials and employees4 . S t a t e m e n t s a n d d i s c l o s u r e 5 . D i v e s t m e n t a n d 6 . P e n a l t i e s Now I can enumerate the prohibited acts and transactions, describe thesystems of incentives and awards, my duties a n d r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s , e x p l a i n w h a t divestment and the penalties under the code.Eventually after solving the caselettes by analyzing them first, I was able togive insights and solution to the problems. I was able to determine how to react toa given situation by using the norms of conduct that is expected from a governmentemployee. I was able to put myself into the shoes of the characters in the differentcases and try to evaluate things that would help me react if a similar situation mayarise in my own career in the government service. Further, by using the knowledge which I have gained from the s t u d y modules, I am now more confident that if I would be given the chance to managea n d s u p e r v i s e I w o u l d b e a b l e t o s h o w m y s u b o r d i n a t e s t h e r i g h t c o n d u c t a n d behavior for a given situation.F i n a l l y , b y f i n i s h i n g t h e t r a i n i n g a s d i r e c t e d b y t h e s t u d y I a m n o w m o r e enlightened by the fact that it never pays to do evil and that he who transgresses t h e l a w w o u l d s u r e l y b e p e n a l i z e d b y i t a n d h e w h o f o l l o w t h e r u l e s o f c o d e o f conduct and ethical behavior would surely benefit thereby.
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Case study: Philippine Business for Social Progress - More than wishful thinking
1 September 2005 Alliance magazine According to the second Philippines Progress Report on the Millennium Development Goals, only a third of the Philippine population now remains below the poverty threshold. The number is still large, but in 1990 almost half (45.3 per cent) of Filipinos were living below the poverty line. The progress already made suggests a strong probability of reaching the target of decreasing poverty to 22.65 per cent of the population by 2015. Overall, the report gives a high probability rating that 12 out of 17 targets will be reached by the 2015 deadline. This is not a cause for jubilation just yet, however. Despite the figures, there is a feeling and a growing resentment among Filipinos that times have become harder. A recent local survey (second quarter of 2005) says that economic conditions for the poor continue to be harsh, with 57 per

cent of households considering themselves as poor and 12 per cent revealing that they experience hunger at least once every three months. This bears out what other indicators tell us. The increasingly volatile political situation, combined with unabated population growth and the rising costs of gasoline and many daily commodities, suggests to many that the idea of attaining the MDG targets may be wishful thinking. The call to action among various sectors to coordinate their efforts to achieve the MDGs has thus become more pronounced in the last year especially from the private sector. Recognizing that poverty does not afflict only the poor, but condemns the whole nation to backwardness and underdevelopment, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) continues to put poverty alleviation at the top of its agenda. This corporate-led social development foundation now has more than 195 member companies. Since its beginning in 1970, it has been implementing various corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes. These address the problem of poverty by providing income-earning opportunities in urban and rural poor households, increasing access to quality basic education and health services, and protection of the environment. Collective business action In April 2003, the Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum (IBLF) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) gathered business leaders and development organizations worldwide to discuss the strategic role of business in eliminating poverty. The private sector was encouraged to go beyond the traditional mode of contributing to poverty alleviation and to seek beyond giving strategies to realize the full potential of its contribution. As a pilot initiative, leading models of collective business action were identified: the Ethos Insitute in Brazil, the National Business Initiative in South Africa, and PBSP in the Philippines were given the challenge of initiating business sector involvement to attain the MDGs in their respective countries. The square table At a series of square-table discussions[1] organized by PBSP Center for Corporate Citizenship (CCC), four critical sectors were brought together, namely government, civil society, funding agencies such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, and the business community. Their aim was to assess the modest accomplishments so far, to identify factors that hinder attainment of the MDGs, and finally to identify concrete opportunities for business involvement. As a result, PBSP organized the Business and MDG Advisory Committee and Core Team, composed of respected Filipino business leaders, with Pedro Roxas, Chairman of CADP Group Corporation and PBSP Trustee, as Lead Convenor. As part of the awareness-building campaign, a book entitled Responding to the Millennium Development Challenge: A roadmap for business was published with funding support from the UN. Using the Business Framework for Action developed by IBLF, the book argues that the private sector can participate based on its sphere of influence[2] on three levels: core business, social investment and policy advocacy. In order to focus efforts, the targets were also divided into four major clusters, namely, Business and Poverty, Education, Health, and Environment. Within each cluster, a CEO from a PBSP member company was designated as a CEO

Champion, with responsibility for pushing the agenda forward as well as identifying and marketing concrete programmes that companies can adopt that would contribute to attainment of the MDGs. (CEOs play a crucial role in getting things started because they lend their credibility to the whole initiative.) Core business One obvious way in which business can help meet Goal 1 is through creation of jobs. (The Philippines has set a target of halving the proportion of families below the subsistence threshold from 20.4 per cent of total families to 10.5 per cent, and halving the proportion of malnourished children from 9.8 per cent to 4.9 per cent.) The Business and Poverty cluster recommends that, as part of their core business, companies should intensify efforts to directly and indirectly provide more employment opportunities. It also suggests that businesses can support the growth of micro-, small and medium enterprises in their supply chain or use Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP) approaches to help increase revenue among microentrepreneurs. A good example is provided by SMART Telecommunications, the countrys largest wireless phone provider, which has made it possible for ordinary Filipinos to earn income by selling pre-paid mobile phone airtime. As a result, a housewife, a local retail storeowner or even a laundry woman can earn additional income with an initial investment of $10. Social investment Second, companies can use profits, employee competencies and expertise, products and advertising to support and promote a social agenda. Companies are encouraged to support existing programmes such as funding the construction of a school or a reading programme. The idea is not to reinvent the wheel but to work with existing NGOs, corporate foundations and local partners and adopt programmes that work in the areas of poverty reduction, health, education and the environment. As part of the menu of options recommended, the Business and Education cluster is encouraging businesses to support the Synergeia Reading Program, a reading proficiency programme that addresses very poor reading skills in public elementary schools. Advocacy Lastly, the private sector is challenged to influence key policy issues and lead the discourse on MDG-related issues. The bigger the company, the greater is its influence and corresponding responsibility to the community and to the country. The Business and Health cluster is headed by Edgardo Chua of Shell Companies in the Philippines. He believes that programmes on health in the workplace and the community will help lessen mortality and morbidity due to diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria. The programme being recommended to companies for adoption and implementation is on Responsible Parenthood. This aims to lower the rates of child and maternal mortality as well as addressing concerns about the growing population. The Philippines has set itself targets (corresponding to Goals 4 and 5) of reducing the under-5 mortality rate from 80 to 26.7 per 1,000 children, and reducing maternal mortality from 290 to 52.2 per 100,000 live births. The objective here is to advocate among the private sector to implement a reproductive health programme despite opposition from the Church. PSBPs own commitment

According to Manuel V Pangilinan, PBSP Chair, We are aligning the objectives and programmes of PBSP in relation to both the overarching theme and objectives set under the Millennium Development Goals and the Philippine Governments 10-point programme. Both are quite frankly strategic but ambitious in scope thats why weve got to focus on specific targets. As a result, PBSP has recently reviewed its own operations and strategies and deliberately adopted the MDGs as the cornerstone of its programmes. It has pledged 3.2 billion pesos in the next five years to help achieve the countrys MDG targets. Of this, 1.13 billion pesos will be allocated for poverty reduction, 1.12 billion will be for small and medium enterprise development, 0.83 billion for basic education and 0.12 billion for water and health projects. Wider involvement But there is still a need to increase awareness and generate support from a wider business community. Parallel to PBSPs move to adopt the MDGs as the core of its own strategic direction has been an effort to reach out to more CEOs, since there is a continuing need for financial support both for PBSPs own MDGs programme and for attainment of the MDGs in general. To date, the campaign has only reached companies based in Metro Manila. Much more has yet to be done. But for now the initial efforts of PBSP and the UN should begin to translate into concrete support for programmes that are aligned with the MDG targets a significant step towards making those targets real possibilities instead of wishful thinking. 1 ie discussions involving four parties, like the four corners of a table. 2 Adapted from Jane Nelson (1996), Business Partners in Development London:
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