Using his five Astellas paid volunteer days off and two vacation days, Ben Chang, senior professional representative II, PCP / Specialty West, based in Ohana, Hawaii, took part in a volunteer trip to the Philippines that would help change the lives of others, as well as his own.

Ben along with a group of primary care physicians (PCPs) from the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii (PMAH), traveled to three cities in the Luzon Province—Urdaneta, Dagupan and Payatas—to provide medical, vision and dental supplies to more than 3,000 underprivileged children and elderly people. The team also distributed food packs.

“Overall, it was the most fulfilling engagement that I have experienced in my 27 years in the pharmaceutical industry,” said Ben. “I really appreciate working for Astellas, a company that offers a unique resource to all employees—taking time off to give back to communities in need.”

Living SMART™ is the Astellas approach to preparing communities today for what can happen tomorrow. The Living SMART framework brings together the strength of the charitable Astellas USA Foundation and our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) work to find the areas where we can make the most impact to improve lives. Astellas USA Foundation and Astellas CSR collaborate to create a positive impact on society through three overarching focus areas: health and well-being; Science WoRx (STEM education); and disaster response. To read more about Living SMART, see the Astellas Americas Corporate Social Responsibility Report Card.