IPI’s world-class corporate social responsibility program

Editor’s Note: The following is being published in two parts due to its length.

Today, Imperial Pacific International continues its commitment by supporting C.A.R.E., a group dedicated to the CNMI’s long-term recovery. Even after most felt that the CNMI had already recovered, CSR remained committed to assisting C.A.R.E. with cleaning up debris at various homes every Saturday.

CSR’s volunteer disaster work led to the creation of the Village Pride Project, an innovative initiative that encourages community service and volunteerism. CSR reached over 21 villages on the islands of Saipan, Rota, and Tinian and contributed over 21,000 man-hours through our Village Pride Project.

We continually aim at being stewards of the environment through our partnerships with environmental agencies. CSR participates in the CNMI government’s Adopt-A-Beach program, honoring our commitment to beach cleanups throughout the year. We have conducted over 20 beach cleanups over the past two years at 12 different beaches, contributing over 900 man-hours.

Culture and Education

IPI’s corporate social responsibility efforts have played a major role in promoting local culture and heritage. Embracing cultural preservation and promoting indigenous cultures are vital to CSR. We continue to support activities and programs promoting local cultural dance groups, traditional navigational initiatives and various other culture-focused movements.

Since 2015, CSR has been involved in over 40 different cultural events, has made donations for the restoration of master traditional navigator Mau Pialug’s canoe and provided support for the CNMI delegation to the Festival of the Pacific Arts in Guam.

CSR believes that supporting our CNMI’s public school system is direct support to the children of the CNMI. In addition to monetary donations of about $30,000 to students that have excelled and have represented our islands, CSR initiated its School Pride Project, which focuses on improvements to the environment, this one specific to public schools. It is an outreach and engagement initiative that assists all the CNMI’s public schools in cleaning up, repairing and restoring their facilities. As a result CSR has directly benefitted over 10,000 students.

Tourism and destination enhancement

IPI’s investment in its CSR work has assisted in the enhancement and promotion of the islands as a premier travel destination, with tourism being the CNMI’s main economic mainstay. It has supported the government’s primary tourism arm—the Marianas Visitor’s Authority—in its beautification initiatives and programs. CSR has enhanced over 15 different tourist and downtown sites, mainly in the northern part of Saipan, contributing over 4,000 man-hours to beautification efforts in areas frequented by visitors.

Health and social service

IPI’s commitment to the wellbeing of its community remains strong. CSR has partnered with health agencies in over 60 different events, donated wheelchairs to the pediatrics section of our hospital and enhanced the hospital’s facilities as well. IPI contributed over $50,000 in medical-referral assistance to support its employees and relatives seeking extended medical services.

IPI recognizes the importance of sports in our community and continues to support sports-related organizations on Saipan, Rota and Tinian. To date, IPI has donated over $60,000 for team sponsorships.

Our Future

Through these various outreach efforts, Imperial Pacific’s CSR program has enhanced and reinforced the culture of service and volunteerism. IPI’s CSR will continue to partner with different groups on our islands, with young people and with our man amko. Imperial Pacific’s CSR will continue to contribute financially to these groups in order to strengthen their programs. Imperial Pacific will continue its commitment and leadership in the CNMI community and remain dedicated to creating a better CNMI for the world to see.

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Geri Dela Cruz is executive director of Imperial Pacific International Ltd.’s Corporate Social Responsibility.