Understanding 'Likas-Kaya' and 'Diwa-Kapwa'

The recently concluded 12th National Business and Management Conference, hosted by the Philippine Academy of Management, DLSU Center for Business Research and Development, PHINMA-DLSU Center for Business and Society, and the ADMU John Gokongwei School of Management from Nov. 28-30, 2024 compelled us to re-think our understanding of human development and sustainability. Held at the Ateneo de Manila University with the theme "Re-furthering Human Development and Sustainability," the conference sought to unpack these complex, multifaceted concepts through a uniquely Filipino lens within the backdrop of advancing generative artificial intelligence and technology.

The second day of the conference was particularly meaningful for me in this regard. Dr. Ramon Segismundo, CEO of Singapore-based OneHRX, introduced "Likas-Kaya" as the apt Filipino translation for sustainability. More than a semantic exercise, this reframing invites us to situate sustainability within our own cultural context. Likas-Kaya speaks to the innate potential and resilience of both people and the environment. It recognizes that true sustainability is not an imported construct, but an integral part of our identity as Filipinos.

This notion of anchoring organizational values in Filipino culture was further elaborated by Mr. Gerardo "Jun" Cabochan, Founder of Pandayan Bookshop. His discussion of "Diwa-Kapwa" illuminated the power of using indigenous language and values to foster a deeper connection with employees and partners. Diwa-Kapwa represents a gestalt pagpapakatao, pakikipagkapwa-tao, and pagkamakatao. By infusing business practices with these principles, organizations can tap into a wellspring of creativity, collaboration, and purpose. Diwa-Kapwa embodies this dynamic synthesis of culture and strategy. When organizations move beyond transactional models to embrace deeper relational principles, remarkable transformations emerge. Employees find renewed meaning and motivation in their work. Partnerships become grounded in mutual respect and shared purpose. The organization as a whole becomes more attuned to the needs and aspirations of the community it serves.

It is then heartening to see a new generation of Filipino sustainability entrepreneurs who intuitively grasp the importance of this cultural grounding. The 2024 RVR Siklab Awardees, Mr. Ariestelo Asilo (CEO and Co-founder of Varacco Inc.) and Ms. Ann Adeline Dumaliang (Co-Founder of Masungi Georeserve), embody the values of Likas-Kaya and Diwa-Kapwa in their innovative ventures.

Mr. Asilo's work demonstrates the potential for synergy between tradition and technology. By engaging indigenous communities as partners rather than mere beneficiaries, Varacco Inc. is helping to preserve cultural heritage while creating new economic opportunities. Ms. Dumaliang's passionate advocacy for protecting Philippine landscapes reminds us that sustainability is not just an abstraction, but a sacred responsibility. Masungi Georeserve stands as a powerful example of how principled leadership can prevail against competing interests.

By bringing together scholars, practitioners, and advocates from diverse fields, the conference fostered a rich dialogue on the future of human development and sustainability in the Philippines. The insights generated here will undoubtedly inform business practices and public policies in the years to come. But more than that, the conference affirmed the importance of grounding our aspirations in our own cultural roots.

To re-further human development and sustainability, we must first rediscover the wisdom that has sustained us as a people for generations. We must learn to see sustainability not as an imported ideal, but as an expression of our deepest values – kagandahang-loob, pakikipagkapwa-tao, diwa, and bayaniha. Only then can we hope to build a future that honors our past while embracing the possibilities of tomorrow.

As we continue this vital work, let us draw strength and inspiration from the examples set by our sustainability pioneers. Let us be guided by the timeless wisdom of Likas-Kaya and Diwa-Kapwa. And let us never forget that the path to a sustainable future runs through the heart of our Filipino identity. Mabuhay!