Korea Electric Power Corp., a company whose core business is powering up society by generating and distributing electricity, has long been pursuing corporate social responsibility programs that reflect its role as a power supplier.

“Some companies consider CSR as a passing fad or another source of pressure, but it’s a critical factor for becoming a socially responsible firm for business to build key infrastructure for the development of a society,” said Korea Electric Power Corp. CEO Cho Hwan-ik.

Based on these corporate values, the state-run power generator and distributor has developed a variety of CSR programs contributing to Korean society and applied them to the development of global power business strategy.

“We consider global CSR programs as a strategic tool for building a positive reputation in a country where we do business, which will ultimately contribute to adding value to our business,” Cho said.

The firm’s first CSR activity debuted in 2001 when the company launched its first overseas power project in Ilijan, Batangas City, the Philippines.

In the initial stages, KEPCO focused on developing CSR activities to financially support the community near KEPCO’s Ilijan power plant.

As KEPCO’s business grew in the Philippines, the power firm has diversified its global CSR programs and shifted their focus from community support to social contribution.

As of 2013, KEPCO was running two power plants in the Philippines ― a 1,200-megawatt gas-fired combined cycle power plant in Ilian, Batangas, and a 200-megawatt coal-fueled power plant in Naga, Cebu.

Now, the Korean power generator is ranked fourth among the Philippines’ independent power providers, with about 10 percent of the total power generation capacity.

With the launch of the new vision for CSR-driven management in 2011, KEPCO developed and provided an eyesight-recovery program for Filipino children from underprivileged families.

So far, KEPCO’s global medical service program, in partnership with the Manila Red Cross, has operated on the eyes of three children.

“The CSR program for treating visually impaired children of underprivileged families is linked to our core business of lighting up the country,’’ KEPCO said in a press release.

In addition, employees at KEPCO’s subsidiary in the Philippines have voluntarily offered medical services to residents living close to its Ilijan power plant. The program was jointly developed with local medical professionals.

The power company has also diversified its contribution programs to include villages near all of its power plants in the Philippines.

Further, the firm has invested in constructing a variety of infrastructure in the country, such as roads, schools and waterworks, all of which are required to advance the quality of life of community members.

“KEPCO will expand social contribution-driven CSR activities not only in the Philippines but also in other countries in order to be recognized as a socially responsible company in the international community,” Cho said.

By Seo Jee-yeon (jyseo@heraldcorp.com)