Dec 5, 2007
CSR: The “Ube” Tanker
A relatively quiet and lazy afternoon was disturbed by the wailing sirens of firetrucks responding to a level 5 fire somewhere in Manila.
As expected, the “Ube” (Purple) Fire Engine parked near our building is gearing for action. This fire truck is maintained by a private company and being commandeered by volunteer firemen who are employees or staffs of Eng Bee Tin, a known “hopia” and chinese deli factory in the Philippines, managed by Gerry Chua.
This is an example of corporate social responsibility in action. This practice, I think, is replicated by medium size companies and they work closely with local gov’t. for disaster response and other community service, like water rationing when normal services is disrupted by either maintenance/upgrading or acts of nature.
This only shows that a company, regardless of size, can add value to their community.
From what I’ve heard, while the Ube tanker is his most popular fire engine, the owner of Eng Bee Tin (forgot his name) actually owns a fleet of 7 fire engines. The ube tanker is always there wherever a Metro Manila fire is.
Not bad for a private entity.
Thank you Jon for the additional info, Eng Bee Tin definitely knows how to best add value to their community.
Not only Eng Bee Tin is adding value to our community, it is also doing it in a remarkable way. Imagine, a purple fire truck, talk about being noticed! I guess the guy who had this idea has read Seth Godin’s Purple Cow.