MARIVELES, Bataan — Launched in January 2023, Project Saysay, an AboitizPower (AP) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, empowers employees of AP subsidiaries GNPower Mariveles (GMEC) and GNPower Dinginin (GNPD) to celebrate their birthdays by giving back to their host communities.
This initiative, aptly named “Saysay” (meaning “value”), encourages employees to choose a community or group to support, fostering a culture of volunteerism and creating meaningful connections. Led by the company’s Reputation and Stakeholder Management (RSM) team, Project Saysay has become a highlight for employees who find joy in bringing smiles to their chosen beneficiaries.
In 2024, the initiative reached over 2,200 beneficiaries through the efforts of 182 volunteer employees. This year, January birthday celebrants brought joy to 17 children with Hydrocephalus and Chiari Malformation in Limay, Bataan by providing them with essential items like diapers, milk, and medications.
“Every year, as we celebrate our birthdays, we’ve often pondered our significance and purpose. It was from this reflection that Project Saysay was born,” said RSM Manager Joseph “Jeps” Paolo Mendoza. “So instead of traditional birthday celebrations, we chose to break free from the mold and give back to the community.”
A Year of Giving Back
A key focus of Project Saysay is to improve the well-being of vulnerable members of the community. In February 2024, volunteers supported dialysis patients at the Bataan Kidney and Dialysis Center, donating 60 blood bags. In March, the celebrators opted to support cancer patients from the Bataan Cancer Society and Support Group, providing livelihood training on making dishwashing liquid and assisting them in selling their products to the public.
In May, birthday champions led an art and connection-building activity with mothers and their children with hearing disabilities. Meanwhile, in April, the team visited 33 elderly people at the Bahay Puso Apostolate Foundation to give them much-needed attention and support.
October celebrants held a special trick-or-treat activity at the Mariveles District Hospital (MDH), distributing 100 hygiene kits and snacks to patients and their attending families. They also gave pamper vouchers to 40 nurses, giving them a day of relaxation.
Environmental Conservation
GMEC and GNPD employees chose beneficiaries who prioritized environmental sustainability. In January 2024, they supported the SAGIP Pawikan Sitio Fuerte Association in releasing 500 endangered baby sea turtles back into the ocean. Furthermore, in June, the employee celebrants helped the local fisherfolks of Barangay Lucanin with training in fishing net making, boat operation, and other livelihood skills.
In August and September, celebrants reached out to the fisherfolk and local fish vendors of Barangays Cabcaben and Sitio Dinginin, providing oil spill prevention and response training, as well as distributing grocery items to the victims of the Limay oil spills.
Education and Development
Project Saysay also focuses on education and skills development to uplift communities. In March last year, volunteers donated futsal accessories, supplies, and team uniform kits to the Cabcaben Futsal Team, composed of students from the Mariveles National High School-Cabcaben.
In April, employees supported children with autism through the “Strokes of Progress” program, providing art therapy and sensory toys.
In July, celebrators focused on 60 students from BASECO elementary school, giving them free haircuts, story-telling sessions, career guidance, and safety tips for the rainy season. Volunteers donated bags, tumblers, and vitamins.
In November, 40 delegates of the Mariveles Federation of Persons with Disabilities received digital and social media marketing training, which enhanced the online presence of the beneficiaries’ t-shirt and mug printing business.
Inspiring Positive Change
The influence of Project Saysay extends beyond the GMEC and GNPD. Hailed by its success, the Provincial Government of Bataan adapted it for the province; they initiated their version of Project Saysay among government employees. This adaptation proves that the program has a profound impact and could ignite collective action on a broader scale. Whether it’s supporting fisherfolks, uplifting persons with disabilities, or brightening the lives of children, the initiative has turned birthdays into opportunities for meaningful impact.
Project Saysay remains an example of how corporate advocacies can inspire collective action and create stronger links between employees and the communities they help. As this program moves forward, one thing is constant: making every day count, one birthday at a time. #
