The Integrity Initiative project brought together CEOs and BODs of Cebu’s business organizations to sign and make their pledge to promote ethical business standards at the Casino Espanol de Cebu last March 4, 2013.

Present were representatives from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Bosconian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Cebu Business Club, Cebu Filipino-Chinese chamber of Commerce, Cebu FAME, CFIF, Cebu GTH, FINEX, Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry and over 30 others. 

Integrity Initiative is a multisectoral campaign geared towards the re-establishment of acceptable integrity standards among various sectors of society. Led by the private sector, the initiative aims to help in diminishing, if not fully eradicating, the vicious cycle of corruption in the Philippines which has not only exacerbated poverty but has likewise obstructed the development of a competitive business environment that operates on a level playing field. 

Starting with the signing of an integrity pledge, the CEOs and BODs, who set the tone from the top, expressed their commitment to abide by ethical business practices and support the national campaign against corruption.

The Makati Business Club (MBC) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) started the initiative in late 2009. They were later joined by the Asian Institute of Management –RVR Center for Corporate Governance (Hills Program on Governance), American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham), and the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP). As of today, there are 1,700 signatories and advocate of the Integrity Initiative. (Richard A. Ramos)

Source: Expat Newspaper; Features; 13 March 2013