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Building Towards a Sustainable Future

For my Aim2Flourish project, I had the privilege of inviting Mr. Don Carreon, the Communications Manager at Holcim Philippines, to provide insights into their organization's approach to achieving a sustainable future.

Holcim Philippines leads the construction materials sector with a strong commitment to sustainability, pioneering initiatives aimed at driving the industry towards a more environmentally friendly future. Since its inception, Holcim has placed sustainability at the core of its operations, launching groundbreaking programs that reduce environmental impact while enhancing community welfare and commercial performance.

To achieve its sustainability goals, Holcim Philippines has implemented several significant projects. One key initiative focuses on decarbonizing operations through enhanced efficiency techniques, alternative fuels, renewable energy sources, and low-carbon formulations. This strategic approach not only decreases carbon emissions but also promotes sustainable practices across the industry.

The "Build Better With Less" project is another cornerstone initiative that encourages partners to optimize building materials usage through innovative ideas and solutions. Holcim Philippines advocates for eco-friendly and efficient construction techniques that minimize waste and enhance productivity on construction sites. Additionally, the company promotes circular construction processes by utilizing construction demolition materials as alternative resources, aligning with global sustainability targets to reduce waste and preserve natural resources.

Since 2018, Holcim Philippines has achieved significant milestones in its sustainability journey. The company has notably improved operational efficiency and developed low-carbon blended cement varieties, resulting in a more than 20% reduction in its carbon footprint. Holcim Philippines has also slashed water consumption by nearly 70%, positioning itself to achieve water-positive status by 2030. These achievements have garnered recognition, with Holcim Philippines winning accolades such as the Wise Water Choice Award and the Europa Awards for Digitalization for Sustainability, underscoring its leadership in environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices.

Holcim Philippines employs a comprehensive set of criteria to gauge the effectiveness of its sustainability programs. Key metrics include reductions in carbon footprint, increased use of recycled materials, improved water efficiency, advancements in health and safety performance, and the societal impact of its initiatives. These measurements drive accountability and continuous improvement across all facets of sustainability.

To advocate for the benefits of sustainability, Holcim Philippines actively engages stakeholders including employees, clients, suppliers, and governmental bodies. Initiatives such as the Builders of Progress Ambassadors and internal educational programs empower staff to champion sustainability within their communities and roles. Externally, the company collaborates with diverse partners, including social impact organizations and local governments, to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices nationwide.

Looking ahead, Holcim Philippines aims to embed sustainability throughout its entire business over the next five years. The company envisions becoming the preferred partner for sustainable construction solutions, with low-carbon and circular construction practices becoming industry standards.

In the construction materials sector, Holcim Philippines stands as a beacon of sustainability, demonstrating how proactive environmental stewardship can drive corporate success and positive community impact. Through continuous innovation and collaboration, Holcim Philippines is laying the foundation for a resilient and sustainable future, setting a benchmark for the Philippine building and construction industry. As local and global sustainability standards evolve, Holcim Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to setting new benchmarks and catalyzing industry-wide progress towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

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Breaking Barriers: Women Redefining Leadership

In our Trends and Issues in Business and Management: CEO Series class, we were privileged to meet Ms. Rosemarie Bosch-Ong, the CEO of Wilcon Depot Philippines, as our guest speaker. I don’t mean to be biased, but she is my favorite guest speaker among all the other guest speakers we had this semester and let me share why.

In the dynamic and fiercely competitive industry of construction and home improvement retail, leadership is often synonymous with masculinity. However, Ms. Ong's journey as a CEO defies these stereotypes, embodying resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence over her 40-year tenure with the organization. She began her career with Wilcon Depot when it was a fledgling enterprise, navigating a landscape dominated by male voices. She recalls the early days when Wilcon Depot operated merely two branches in the 1980s, a far cry from its current status as a powerhouse with nearly 100 stores nationwide.

Her rise to the CEO position wasn't just about climbing the corporate ladder; it was a testament to her unwavering commitment and strategic acumen. Under her leadership, Wilcon Depot expanded exponentially, not just in its physical footprint but also in its market influence and customer reach. The stores, averaging 10,000 square meters, stand as monuments to her vision of providing extensive product choices and unparalleled customer experiences.

Reflecting on her journey, Ms. Ong attributes much of her success to what she calls the "Seven Laws of Harvest," principles that guide her professional and personal life. These laws emphasize sowing good seeds, persevering through challenges, and always looking forward to future opportunities. They underscore her belief in continuous improvement and the importance of integrity in leadership.

Throughout her career, Ms. Ong has embraced challenges as opportunities for growth. She pursued her MBA at De La Salle University-Manila and graduated with distinction despite the demands of motherhood and leadership responsibilities, demonstrating her commitment to personal development and academic excellence. Her decision to educate herself further during the digital transformation era underscores her proactive approach to staying ahead in an ever-evolving industry.

To have a female leader talk always inspires me, especially because I've faced moments when I become skeptical of my capabilities simply because I'm a woman. Throughout my journey, I've encountered societal expectations and stereotypes that sometimes made me doubt myself. But seeing women like Ms. Ong break barriers and achieve remarkable success in traditionally male-dominated fields gives me renewed confidence and determination.

To be in an all-girls Catholic School when I was in high school, growing up, I often heard subtle messages about what women should and shouldn't do. Whether it was in school, at home, or in social settings, there was an unspoken belief that certain careers or leadership roles were better suited for males. These early impressions can shape our perceptions of ourselves and our ambitions. I remember feeling hesitant to speak up or take on leadership roles, fearing that I might not be taken seriously or that my ideas wouldn't be valued as much as those of my male peers.

As I matured and learned more about inspiring female leaders like Ms. Ong, my perspective began to shift. Her journey is particularly empowering because it's not just about achieving professional success; it's about challenging norms and paving the way for other women. She started her career at Wilcon Depot when it was still in its infancy, and through dedication and strategic vision, she rose to become its CEO. Her story is a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the ability to thrive in demanding environments.

Ms. Ong's leadership style emphasizes inclusivity, integrity, and innovation—qualities that are not defined by gender but by character and competence. She has shown that being a woman in leadership is not a limitation but a strength. Her achievements inspire me to embrace my potential fully, to challenge stereotypes, and to pursue my goals with confidence.

To have a female leader to look up to provides more than just a role model; it offers practical insights and encouragement. I find myself drawn to stories of how Ms. Ong navigated challenges, made tough decisions, and fostered a positive work culture. These experiences resonate with my journey of overcoming doubts and striving for excellence in a competitive world. Ms. Ong shared, “Always be the best version of yourself or always be the best version of what you do, and that’s excellence! Always exceed what you have done in the past.”

Moreover, Ms. Ong's impact extends beyond her professional accomplishments. She actively promotes diversity and empowerment within her organization and the broader community. Her commitment to mentoring and supporting women in their careers underscores the importance of lifting others as we climb. It's a reminder that leadership isn't just about individual success but about creating opportunities for others to succeed as well.

As I reflect on my own experiences, I realize the importance of challenging stereotypes and advocating for equal opportunities. It's about recognizing that gender should never limit anyone's aspirations or capabilities. Every time I recall Ms. Ong's story and her insights, I'm reminded that leadership is about authenticity and resilience—qualities that transcend gender and empower individuals to make a difference.

To conclude, having a female leader like Ms. Rosemarie Bosch-Ong to look to for inspiration has been transformative for me. Her journey reminds me that my gender doesn't define my abilities or my potential. Instead, it's about embracing challenges, learning from setbacks, and pursuing my goals with determination. Through her example, I'm encouraged to continue breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and striving for excellence in everything I do. Ms. Ong's story is a beacon of hope and empowerment for women everywhere, showing us that with courage and perseverance, we can achieve our dreams and inspire others to do the same.

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Remembering Chikka Messenger

The journey of Mr. Chito Bustamante, CEO of Chikka Messenger, is a testament to the unexpected turns and learning curves of entrepreneurship. His career path, from IBM to the dot-com boom, and eventually founding Chikka Messenger, highlights a series of pivotal moments that shaped his leadership style and the company's trajectory.

As our guest speaker during our class in Trends and Issues in Business and Management: CEO Series, Chito shared with us that his accidental entry into entrepreneurship began during a challenging phase in his corporate career, marked by a layoff at IBM. This pivotal moment pushed him to explore new opportunities, eventually leading him to Chikka Messenger, a pioneering venture in SMS messaging that bridged internet messaging with SMS. The initial success of Chikka Messenger underscored Chito's ability to spot emerging trends and seize opportunities in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.

Probably Millennials and Generation Z, who grew up in the era of smartphones and instant messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Snapchat, may not be familiar with Chikka Messenger. These newer platforms offer more integrated features, better user interfaces, and are often free to use due to data plans or Wi-Fi connectivity, making them more appealing and convenient than the services provided by Chikka.

For those who used Chikka Messenger like myself, it represented an innovative solution to the high costs associated with texting and helped bridge the gap between different communication technologies of the time. Its impact was significant during the early 2000s, particularly in regions where mobile phone usage was expanding rapidly but costs remained prohibitive for frequent communication.

Chikka's impact extended beyond just cost savings. It also fostered a sense of connectivity and community among its users, enabling them to communicate more freely and frequently. Its user-friendly interface and reliable service quickly garnered a large user base, solidifying its place as a staple in Filipino communication culture.

As technology evolved and smartphones became more prevalent, Chikka Messenger continued to adapt, expanding its services to include features like group messaging, mobile app integration, and more. While its initial success was rooted in its ability to provide cost-effective messaging solutions, its enduring popularity stemmed from its commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of its users.

As Chito navigated the complexities of steering Chikka Messenger from a startup to a prominent player in the messaging industry, his leadership style evolved. He emphasized the importance of maintaining innovation and agility while implementing necessary frameworks and processes to sustain growth. This approach enabled Chikka Messenger to not only survive but thrive in a competitive market, expanding its reach across multiple countries and diversifying its product portfolio beyond messaging.

Throughout his leadership journey, Chito prioritized building a strong organizational culture centered around innovation, collaboration, and resilience. He recognized the critical role of his team—the backbone of Chikka Messenger's success—and invested in their development and well-being. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, he ensured that Chikka Messenger remained at the forefront of technological advancements and consumer trends.

Chito's leadership was also tested during challenging times, such as the aftermath of 9/11 and navigating corporate acquisitions. These experiences further honed his strategic acumen and resilience, reinforcing his belief in the importance of flexibility and foresight in leadership.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chito emphasized personal growth and humility as integral to his leadership philosophy. He acknowledged the value of learning from mistakes, embracing diverse perspectives, and leveraging insights to drive innovation and organizational success.

Today, Chikka Messenger remains a testament to the power of innovation in transforming how people communicate, especially in regions where cost-effective messaging solutions are crucial. Its legacy continues to influence the development of communication technologies globally, demonstrating the profound impact of a simple yet revolutionary idea conceived by Chito Bustamante and his team.

Overall, Chito’s journey as CEO of Chikka Messenger exemplifies resilience, foresight, and a deep commitment to innovation. His leadership not only propelled Chikka Messenger to prominence but also left a lasting impact on the technology and telecommunications industry in the Philippines and beyond.

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Navigating Uncertainty: The Crucial Role of Crisis Management in Business

In the dynamic landscape of business, the ability to effectively manage crises is not just a luxury but a necessity. Whether it's a sudden economic downturn, a cybersecurity breach, or a global pandemic, businesses face a myriad of challenges that can disrupt operations and threaten their existence.

In one of our sessions during our Trends and Issues in Business and Management: CEO Series class, our professor, Ms. Pia Manalastas, discussed the importance of Crisis Management and how businesses can prepare for unforeseen events. Let me share with you my takeaways.

The Importance of Crisis Management

Protecting Reputation: A crisis, if mishandled, can tarnish a business's hard-earned reputation. Effective crisis management helps mitigate negative publicity and perceptions, preserving the brand's image and credibility.

Minimizing Financial Impact: Crises often lead to financial losses due to operational disruptions, decreased sales, legal costs, and more. Prompt crisis management can minimize these impacts by swiftly addressing issues and restoring business operations.

Maintaining Stakeholder Confidence: Customers, investors, and employees rely on businesses to navigate challenges successfully. Transparent and competent crisis management helps maintain stakeholder confidence and loyalty.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Many crises involve legal and regulatory implications. Proper crisis management ensures compliance, reducing the risk of legal consequences or penalties.

Employee Morale and Safety: Employees are directly affected by crises. Effective crisis management includes clear communication and support, fostering trust and reducing anxiety.

Preparing Your Business During Crisis

Preparing for a crisis involves proactive planning and strategic implementation:

Risk Assessment: Identify potential crises that could impact your business, considering internal and external factors like natural disasters, economic shifts, cybersecurity threats, and regulatory changes.

Communication Protocols: Establish clear channels for internal and external communication. Designate roles for communicating with employees, customers, media, and stakeholders.

Response Strategies: Develop specific actions for managing operations, logistics, employee safety, customer service, and asset protection.

Establishing a Crisis Management Team: Form a dedicated team with defined roles such as crisis leader, communication coordinator, operations manager, and legal advisor. Ensure team members are trained and prepared.

Building Strong Relationships: Cultivate relationships with stakeholders including customers, suppliers, regulatory bodies, and local authorities. Establish mutual support agreements and communication channels.

Regular Review and Updates: Continuously review and update your crisis management plan based on changes in the business environment, regulations, and lessons learned from past incidents. Ensure all stakeholders are familiar with the plan.

Legal and Compliance Considerations: Ensure your crisis management plan aligns with industry and regulatory requirements. Include provisions for legal guidance during crises.

During the latter part of the class, we had a group activity where we were asked to create a press release for Kaspa unforeseen event.

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About Me

Hello! My name is Mira. I am a design major and used to be a production designer. After a few years of freelancing from the demanding world of advertising and film, I decided to switch careers and change my path. Then, I found myself in a whole new industry in which I unexpectedly discovered what I wanted to do throughout my career life. It has brought me a sense of fulfillment and purpose despite the challenges of being in a corporate environment. My job as a team leader allows me to encourage people to build up their self-esteem, mentor them to grow, and open up more opportunities for them. I’m currently pursuing a master’s degree in business administration to hone my skills and be equipped for the next level and for future ventures.

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Am I A Good Employer?

Our family owns a small real estate and construction business with twenty-five to thirty employees. Mostly, my mom does the operations side, while my dad does the financial side of the business. Owning a small family business can be both rewarding and challenging. It creates a strong sense of shared values and a unifying goal. For the business to succeed, everyone's vision and goals must be in line. To overcome obstacles and get the rewards of running a small family business, it is essential to have open communication, respect for one another, and a flexible mindset.

As an employer of a small family business, I noticed my parents do a number of best practices to guarantee a profitable and efficient operation. First, the implementation of fair employment practices by treating all workers fairly and equally. Precise rules for hiring, promotions, and pay are established to prevent favoritism or nepotism as it is important to foster an inclusive workplace where each person feels respected and appreciated for their efforts. 

Second, acknowledging and rewarding good work performance to employees who show their dedication and effort. This can take the form of rewards in the form of a monetary bonus, public acclaim, or chances for a promotion.

Third, establishing roles and responsibilities as the obligations of each employee of the company should be made very clear. This makes it easier to avoid misunderstandings and guarantees that everyone is aware of their individual responsibilities. Setting expectations and averting possible problems can both be accomplished with the aid of job descriptions.

Fourth, building a positive company culture by encouraging a culture at work that values each employee's contribution and is supportive of diversity. This can be accomplished through initiatives to increase employee engagement, team-building activities, and a positive workplace culture.

Lastly, investing in professional development by encouraging all employees to continue their education and progress professionally. Give people the chance to receive training, go to industry conventions, and learn new skills. Individual competencies are improved, and the firm as a whole grows and succeeds as a result.

As expected, my parents as employers are not perfect, the business also has areas of improvement that need to be addressed in order to help the business expand and succeed. The common areas I noticed that need consideration would be adapting to new technology and automation. The use of automated equipment and tools for construction to help boost efficiency, streamline procedures, decrease the construction timeline, and improve the client experience.

Both the best practices and areas of improvement varies depending on the nature of the business. The implementation of procedures can be modified to tailor-fit the requirements and culture of the business. What I’ve learned in observing my parents run the business is to encourage continuous improvement, regularly evaluate the company's operations, get input from both clients and employees and be willing to make any necessary improvements. Also, my parents always tell us that if we take care of our people, then they will eventually take care of the business and the clients. 

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Transforming Education

Sharing the learnings I gathered from Mr. Richard Anthony Tagle's leadership path, which embodies a number of important lessons that was drawn from his methodology:

Mr. Tagle stresses how crucial it is to have a distinct strategic vision. This entails establishing challenging targets for raising educational attainment in the area and creating a plan of action to get there. Tagle probably encourages and motivates his team to work together toward a single goal by presenting a compelling vision.

Considering that E3 Alliance emphasizes stakeholder participation, Mr. Tagle probably appreciates the power of partnerships. To promote a collective influence in education, he cultivates close ties with businesses, community organizations, legislators, and school districts. By assembling a varied group of stakeholders, he probably makes better use of each partner's advantages while tackling difficult problems.

Mr. Tagle’s stresses how crucial data-driven decision-making is to the advancement of educational reform. The E3 Alliance is renowned for using a wide range of data and research to pinpoint educational outcomes gaps and provide guidance for policy and programmatic changes. Tagle probably pushes his staff to base their tactics and impact assessments on data and empirical study.

Recognizing the significance of resolving inequities in educational opportunities and outcomes, Mr. Tagle places a high priority on equity and inclusion in the activities of the E3 Alliance. He supports laws and procedures that uphold equity and guarantee that every student, from any background or situation, has access to a top-notch education. He probably shows a dedication to social justice and leveling the playing field for all kids by advocating for equity.

Mr. Tagle places a strong emphasis on creativity and adaptability given how quickly the educational landscape is changing. In order to enhance educational outcomes, he pushes his team to adopt new technologies, approaches, and best practices. In some way, it guarantees that E3 Alliance stays at the forefront of attempts to change education by encouraging an innovative culture.

Mr. Tagle's leadership represents cooperative, and data-driven strategy for advancing educational change. He enables his team to make significant strides toward enhancing educational opportunities and outcomes for all kids in the region by placing a high priority on equity, innovation, and partnership.

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Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical

My classmates and I had the privilege to see "Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical” in Resorts World Manila. The show mainly revolved around the iconic Filipino band Parokya ni Edgar, known for their humorous and relatable songs that have resonated with the audiences of different generations.

As I interpret it, the musical explores the history of Parokya ni Edgar, following the group from its modest origins through garage jam sessions to their ascent to prominence in the regional music scene. This section can focus on the band members' friendship and the difficulties they had while pursuing their love of music. Like any other artistic journey, the story explored the band's struggles and triumphs as they navigated the ups and downs of the music industry. From playing modest venues to playing arenas, the musical might highlight the band's tenacity and fortitude in the face of adversity.

Based on the playbook, the behind-the-scenes look of the show’s creative process focused on providing insights into how they crafted the band’s signature blend of witty lyrics and catchy melodies. But I suggest that the show could have featured the meaning of their songs and the collaborative dynamics between band members. From my personal point-of-view, the musical should have explored more on topics like friendship, love, and pursuing one's aspirations by incorporating aspects of the band members' personal life, similar to Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical which would give the story more depth.

Given that Parokya ni Edgar has influenced Filipino pop culture in addition to music, the musical might honor their influence on both fans and the larger cultural environment. This might be allusions to their best-loved songs, unforgettable live experiences, and the ongoing bond they have created with fans over many generations. Parokya ni Edgar's reputation for blending humor with heartfelt storytelling, the musical could strike a balance between lighthearted moments and poignant reflections. This blend of humor and heart could capture the essence of the band's music and its resonance with audiences.

Overall, we have enjoyed the show as "Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical”could offered a nostalgic and entertaining journey through the band's iconic music, while also celebrating their lasting legacy in the Filipino music scene.

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Woman in Leadership

Ms. Hazel Delos Santos's shared that her leadership path is characterized by a combination of empathy, adaptability, and strategic vision. As a leader, she most likely focused on innovation and customer-centricity while navigating the ever-changing financial industry.

She also shared that at the beginning of her career, she concentrated on building a culture of empowerment and cooperation among her team members because she understood that accomplishing corporate objectives required a motivated and unified staff. This could entail taking part in activities like skill-development seminars, mentorship programs, and frequent feedback systems to make sure staff members feel appreciated and encouraged to advance their careers which is truly admirable.

Considering how often the financial industry is changing, Ms. Delos Santos most likely showed agility in her leadership style by welcoming change and motivating her staff to quickly adopt new trends and technologies. She promoted a culture of innovation and constant improvement whether it was through the adoption of new digital tools.

Moreover, I believe that the foundation of Ms. Delos Santos's leadership philosophy is empathy and a customer-centric perspective. It is essential to comprehend customer wants and pain areas in order to drive meaningful innovation and provide outstanding customer service. It's possible that she pushed her staff to always aim to go above and beyond expectations, emphasize client feedback, and iterate on goods and services in response to user insights.

Ms. Delos Santos encountered many obstacles and hurdles along the way, but it's likely that her tenacity and willpower helped her go ahead. She probably made a significant contribution to ING Hubs Philippines' achievement of its strategic goals by establishing a welcoming and inclusive work environment, accepting change, and putting the needs of her customers first. She also had a good influence on her team and the business as a whole.