Petron wins Global CSR Awards

MANILA, Philippines — If rising from the ‘oil spill rubble’ would be an indication, leading oil player Petron Corporation may have truly bounced back from the disaster as it already clinched recently the gold award for environmental excellence – trouncing in the competition other firms globally.

The award was conferred by the Singapore-based The Pinnacle Group in the 3rd Global CSR Awards held in Cebu. Organizers noted that the event was attended by more than 100 delegates from Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines and Singapore.

The environmental recognition was bestowed on the company in tandem with the individual award given to Petron Foundation general manager Malu G. Erni for the Gold Award for CSR Leadership.

The Global CSR Awards is described as one of Asia’s “most reputable recognition programs for corporate social responsibility – honoring companies for the implementation of outstanding, innovative and world-class products, services, projects, and programs.

As assessed, Petron was cited for its “continuous efforts to improve its environmental performance in key areas namely energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, and waste management across its supply chain.”

While the company may have been enmeshed in oil spill incidents in the past, turn of events may have proven that it was able to turn the tide and has even shown excellence in the midst of the tragedy; such as on its efforts of rebuilding an affected community in the Visayas.

It has been emphasized that the company “was conferred the honor for integrating environmental performance into (its) sustainable development strategy and delivering proven business benefits.”

Petron Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang asserted that “as we continue to expand our business, our commitment to corporate social responsibility grows as well.”

Operations of oil facilities across the value chain are always linked to environmental issues, but such inherent characteristic of the business does not prevent players from cutting down their carbon footprints or efficiently managing their environmental impact.

Petron, in a press statement, indicated that it was able to slash its greenhouse gas emissions by 57,000 tons annually and similarly reduce its water consumption by 14-percent in 2010 alone.

These have been based on efforts undertaken at its 180,000 barrels per stream day refinery in Bataan; as well as at its more than 30 depots and terminals and the 1,700 service stations nationwide.

The award, Ang acknowledged “affirms that our sustainability initiatives are on the right track. This also serves to deepen our commitment to environmental preservation and protection.” (MMV) –MYRNA M. VELASCO, Manila Bulletin