Abstract: This study examines the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through social engagement initiatives on promoting community development among selected corporations in Metro Manila. Using a quantitative descriptive research design, the study surveyed 30 employees and personnel directly involved in CSR implementation across diverse industries, including Trade/Retail, Service, Education, Food & Beverage, and Manufacturing sectors. The Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) Conceptual Model by Wallerstein and Duran served as the theoretical foundation, framing corporations as participatory partners in community development. Findings reveal that the majority of respondent companies are corporations that have implemented CSR programs for over ten years, with Livelihood and Skills Programs being the most commonly adopted initiative. Social engagement activities primarily target social development, followed by economic and environmental concerns, with education and skills development identified as the activities most aligned with corporate missions. The study found that CSR social engagement initiatives produced significantly positive impacts across social, economic, and environmental dimensions of community development, with overall weighted mean scores consistently falling within the "Strongly Agree" range. CSR programs were likewise rated as effective, well-organized, and conducive to long-term community development. However, corporations face persistent challenges including lack of community participation, financial constraints, and regulatory barriers that limit the full potential of their initiatives. The study concludes that CSR social engagement is an effective mechanism for community development and recommends that corporations design financially sustainable, inclusive, and more frequent CSR activities to maximize community impacts.
Cruz et al. (Thu,) studied this question.