HISTORICAL | ACCREDITATION | FTB AREAS OF CONCERN | PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN | RESOURCES AND LINKAGES

UN Global Compact Communication on Progress: FTB Rurban Development Foundation, Inc.

The Francisca Tirona Benitez Rurban Development Foundation, Inc. (FTBRDF) charter mandates the delivery of educational, socio-economic, health and health_related services for human resource development in both urban and rural settings.

FTBRDF, as an affiliate of the Philippine Women’s University, functions as the programme implementor of the university’s community extension services.

“ As a signatory of the UN Global Compact we are strengthening our commitment to human rights, labour and environmental standards.  Moreover, as a university – and community-based organization, we believe in good governance through honesty and transparency” (Amelou Benitez-Reyes, Executive Director)

Human Rights

The FTBRDF and our affiliate institution, the Philippine Women’s University believe in the “dignity and worth of the human person” thus, we promote the equal rights of men and women, social progress and better standards of life.

Business should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights

Business should ensure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses

The PWU-FTBRDF has chosen to concentrate its programs and activities in General Trias and Trece Martires in the province of Cavite.

Programs center on:

• Community building, organization and networking

• Women empowerment through education and training for livelihood

• Family-centered development and spirituality

The PWU-FTBRDF, through the Development Institute for Women in Asia (DIWA)  conducted seminars for the communities on Respect for Human Rights and helped set up a women’s Desk in the Barangay Office.  This Desk attends to complaints such as child/spousal abuse, sexual harassment and/or abuse.

Sessions on gender awareness and sensitivity were conducted.  These meetings were attended by members of the community, including the men and by local government officials.  As a result, community activities and programs became more women-friendly.  In an interview with some Barangay (smallest unit of government) officials, it would seem that the menfolk are now more appreciative of their wives and daughters.

The PWU-FTBRDF, through the University Community Outreach Program (UNICORP) conducted three (3) Medical and Dental missions which benefited 1200 families, 200 of which were relocates.  Other primary health care activities included home visits, health care education, immunization/vaccinations PT.  Women and children were the main beneficiaries.

In addition, supplemental feeding and Day Care services were extended to the communities. These enabled mothers to engage in livelihood activities, attend nutrition, cooking, literacy classes.

With FTBRDF’s community work, we reaffirm our support and respect for human rights and in the promotion of better standards of life.

Labour

The PWU-FTBRDF upholds “basic human values” – values that are vital to our social and economic lives”. Our advocacy for gender equality,  commitment to education and fair labour practices  are explicit in our vision, mission statements. HRD policies and procedures as stated in our administrative Manual and in our Code of Conduct are consistent with the Principles of the UN Global compact that pertain to labour and relations.

Business should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining

Business should support the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour

Business should  support the effective abolition of child labour

Business should support the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation

The PWU-FTB labour policies and practices are consistent with the Labor Code. Some benefits and privileges are voluntarily given by the institution or in accordance with the CBA with recognized Union.

Approximately 80% of the regular employees are members of their respective Unions – Faculty, Non-teaching Pesonnel and Maintenance.  Casual/Contractual employees, management staff and administrators are non-union members by choice.  Union representatives are recognized for the purpose of collective bargaining.

In support of Union activities, Union dues are deducted from members’ salaries.  Time off with pay for scheduled Union activities in the premises are allowed.

In last year’s CBA, the following benefits were given:

complaints against the employer by the employee and vice versa are investigated and resolved by a Grievance committee. Union representatives sit in this committee as stipulated in previous CBAs.  Last year, two cases were brought to the Grievance committee.  Both cases were resolved amicably after a thorough and fair investigation.

Environment

“I call on the PWU community to take the lead in ensuring the survival and flourishing of Planet Earth through its creative and caring response to the cries of environment.” (Helena Z Benitez, chairperson, FTBRDF)

Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility

The PWU-FTBRDF has initiated environmental programs since the 1980’s.  The PWU was one of the first to offer courses and training on environmental management.

Several environment-friendly initiatives were undertaken in our adopted communities in Cavite.  The households were trained in garbage segregation, recycling materials and the like.

The University has recently launched the “Green and Healthy PWU Program” focusing on waste management, green procurement and environmental education and communication. Aside from reorientation and retraining on waste management, the committee presented guidelines on each of the core areas. Point persons were identified to enable us to monitor the implementation of the Program.

Anti Corruption

“We believe in personal integrity…We will be fortified by trials…Rising above human weaknesses and limitation to sustain goodness even in ordinary circumstance…” (PWU-FTBRDF Core Values).

Business should work against corruption in all forms, including extortion and bribery

The PWU-FTBRDF demands personal integrity and honesty from its faulty and staff.  The newly-revised Code of conduct (2005) addresses seven categories of offenses – against person, against property, against public morals, against health and sanitation and against security, fraudulent acts, and other offenses.

The Code of conduct must not be construed as a punitive mandate but as a corrective measure as we encourage the management and faculty to cultivate their own strengths and those of the students, rather than unduly focusing on human weaknesses.

The PWU has also taken steps to minimize situations that may possibly lead to corruption and dishonesty.  Student progress, activities are carefully monitored.  Purchases, collection of fees, requisition of materials, liquidation of cash advances are centralized and subjected to audit.

More importantly, values are integrated into the curricula. Civic conscience, social responsibility, personal integrity are woven into all academic and co-curricular activities.

The PWU-FTBRDF is strongly committed to the ten principles of the UN Global  Compact.

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