Powering up the love: PH energy provider puts people first

Early in the morning, the AboitizPower human resources team is already hard at work, with some operating from their homes and others gathered at the NAC Tower in a conference room overlooking 32nd Street in Bonifacio Global City. As the team finalizes details of the company’s #MyAPLoveStory employee engagement campaign, the head of the group lovingly gives a reminder to her people.

“We strive to bring out the best in our team members,” says AboitizPower Chief People Officer MaLu Inofre, “so they can better fulfill their purpose of transforming energy for a better world. Remember, we’re in business not just for profit, but in caring for people.”

#MyAPLoveStory celebrates the transformative power of love and how it can change the lives of people who work for the company, according to Inofre. 

Strategic Sourcing Manager Adrian De Guzman (left) spoke about career transformation, and Talent Attraction Manager Pat Dimayuga talked about the joys of helping people find their niche.

In the campaign’s first YouTube “Power Talk” episode streamed a few days ago, Nikki Reario, Adrian De Guzman, and Pat Dimayuga shared their transformational stories, each a testament to the company’s impact on their lives.

Nikki, whose work revolves around community projects, spoke about the transformation she experienced after joining AboitizPower. “Since I am in Reputation Management, the transformation that I wanted to share is being able to make sure that our people are being taken care of, touching the lives of people and the communities that we serve,” she said. 

“Before, I had this notion that private companies don’t have a heart and are all in the business for money. But when I joined AP, it wasn’t the case. I realized that they’re doing business not just for profit. They’re also in the business of caring for people.”

Nikki also shared a bit of her personal life in the episode. “Before the Covid pandemic kasi, ang daming nangyari. I ended a long-term relationship. That is when I started to love myself more. And I realized—when I love myself, I can give love. In the middle of the pandemic, I met my fiancé, and I’ve never been happier.”

AboitizPower Chief People Officer MaLu Inofre (second from right) talks to three AP office workers about caring for people.

Adrian, who shifted from Project Specialist to Supply Chain Management, spoke about the career transformation that AboitizPower provided him. “After making a huge career shift, I realized how much I love my line of work now. I wouldn’t have known this without the opportunity AboitizPower gave me,” he said.

Pat, a recruiter, talked about the joy he experiences in helping people find their niche. “My job as a recruiter here at AboitizPower means I’m in a position to transform people’s lives,” he said. “I’m happy that I’m helping people find their place.”

For Inofre, the values of AboitizPower are aligned with her own, making her feel at home in the company. “From 2011 to mid-2017, I left Aboitiz, but when I came back in 2017, I felt like I was home, I felt that I was a valued contributor. I feel valued—so I bring it back to them. I create value as well,” she said.

The company’s purpose of transforming energy for a better world is not just a lofty goal, but a deeply-held belief that drives everything Inofre and her team do.

“I’m in love with this project,” confessed the executive, who exudes a nurturing, motherly aura.

“Firstly, showing care for employees helps improve employee morale and job satisfaction, leading to increased productivity and better performance. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to be motivated to do their best work and be more engaged.”

Corporate Social Responsibility Operations Specialist Nikki Reario’s (right) job is touching people in communities AboitizPower serves.

Inofre added: “Secondly, it helps with employee retention. Employees who feel their company cares about them and their well-being are more likely to stay with the company long-term. High employee turnover can be costly for companies.”

Thirdly, showing care for employees builds a positive company culture and reputation. When employees feel that their company cares about them, they’re more likely to speak positively about the company to others. This can help attract new talent and customers and contribute to the company’s overall success,” Inofre said.

Furthermore, she said showing care for employees is a vital aspect of building a successful and sustainable company in terms of the bottomline and employee well-being.

AboitizPower is among the Philippines’ leading energy providers, with an extensive business portfolio that includes power generation, distribution, and retail electricity services.

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