Redefining Social Responsibility Beyond the Usual Causes
When we think of “social responsibility,” our minds usually go to tree-planting drives, feeding programs, or scholarship grants. But one crucial topic often gets left behind is reproductive health. Despite being a key pillar of community well-being, discussions about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) remain limited due to cultural taboos and misconceptions in the Philippines.
It’s time to change that. Social enterprises like TRUST are showing Filipinos that taking care of reproductive health is not something to be embarrassed about, it’s a responsible, empowering choice.
Why Reproductive Health Matters in Social Responsibility
True social responsibility means addressing what people genuinely need, not just what looks good on paper. In the Philippines, issues like adolescent pregnancy and the growing number of HIV cases highlight the urgent need for open dialogue and accessible reproductive healthcare.
When communities are empowered with proper education, family planning options, and access to health services, people are able to pursue education, sustain livelihoods, and break cycles of poverty. In this sense, promoting reproductive health isn’t just a wellness initiative, it’s a movement that fuels long-term social progress.
How Social Enterprises Are Changing the Game
Unlike traditional corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs that often focus on short-term projects, social enterprises build sustainable impact. They’re businesses designed to make a difference — generating income through products and services, then reinvesting profits back into their advocacy.
In the field of reproductive health, this model allows organizations to reach more Filipinos with affordable contraception, free medical consultations, and nationwide educational outreach.
TRUST: A Brand Built on Empowerment and Purpose
One of the strongest advocates in this space is TRUST, the commercial master brand of DKT Health, Inc. The brand stands for accessible reproductive health, and through its “Ang Normal Mo, Normal ‘Yan!” campaign, TRUST is working to normalize conversations around sexual health, a bold but necessary move in a culture where such topics are often considered taboo.
The campaign encourages Filipinos to view reproductive health care as an act of self-respect and responsibility. Every TRUST product purchased supports DKT Philippines Foundation, which provides free reproductive health services to underserved communities nationwide.
To measure its social impact, TRUST uses the metric “Couple-Years of Protection (CYP),” which estimates how many couples benefit from its contraceptive programs. In 2024 alone, TRUST safeguarded 3.6 million couples, or about 7.2 million individuals, through both its commercial and outreach services, a testament to its unwavering commitment to the Filipino people.
As Denise R. van Dijk, President and CEO of DKT Health, Inc., shared, “We as a social enterprise put impact over profit. The more we generate, the more we give back to fund programs that reach the last mile.”
Empowering Filipinos, One Conversation at a Time
In an era when consumers want brands that reflect their values, TRUST is proving that doing good can go hand in hand with doing business. Its continued advocacy for reproductive health is a reminder that social responsibility doesn’t have to follow a template. Sometimes, it means starting conversations that matter most.
If you’re looking to support causes that make a lasting difference, remember: every purchase from TRUST helps bring reproductive health services to more Filipinos who need them most.