The Employer of the Year Award, presented annually by the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), honors organizations that not only fulfill their business objectives but also uphold exemplary people and management practices.
This year, five corporations were recognized as Employer of the Year Exemplars. Each one demonstrated how sound leadership and people-centered strategies can drive both business performance and human growth.
Cebu Landmasters, Inc.: Building Communities, Nurturing People
Founded over two decades ago in Cebu, Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI) has grown from a local real estate venture into a thriving, 1,000-strong enterprise with projects across 17 cities in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Under the leadership of Jose R. Soberano III, CLI’s purpose extends beyond building homes. It’s about shaping better communities—and ultimately, a better nation.
The company lives by its core values of Care, Leadership, and Integrity. These are anchored in transparent leadership and a deep commitment to employee well-being.
Its culture thrives on openness—what they call “the gift of giving and receiving feedback.” The result? Ninety-five percent of employees report being happy at work. The company’s attrition rate is only 5%—a testament to leadership grounded in trust and empowerment.
GCash/Mynt: Empowering Every Filipino
In just a few years, GCash has become a household name. It’s now synonymous with financial inclusion and digital empowerment.
A collaboration among Globe Telecom, Ayala Corporation, and Ant Group, GCash has achieved unicorn status. It is the Philippines’ first and only $5-billion fintech startup.
Under the dynamic leadership of Martha Sazon, GCash’s mission is clear: to accelerate financial inclusion and make empowerment accessible to every Filipino.
Guided by principles of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, GCash shows how technology and purpose-driven leadership can uplift communities and transform industries.
Its vision—“Making everyday Filipinos’ lives better”—is more than a slogan. It reflects how fintech can remain deeply human-centered and nation-shaping.
Philippine Manufacturing Company of Murata, Inc.: Harmony in Precision
A model of cross-cultural excellence, the Philippine Manufacturing Company of Murata (PMM) embodies the synergy between Japanese discipline and Filipino creativity.
As the local arm of Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., PMM operates with precision, alignment, and cultural harmony under the leadership of Randy Feliciano.
Its core focus—Alignment, Systems, and Synergy—is evident in every process. From producing ceramic capacitors and filters to cultivating a value-based culture, PMM proves that manufacturing excellence is not only about operational precision. It’s also about nurturing people and purpose within a global framework.
HSBC Electronic Data Processing (Philippines), Inc.: Inclusion and Belonging at Scale
At HSBC EDP Philippines, leadership is defined by inclusion, simplicity, and empowerment. The company lives by the philosophy “Simplify in order to amplify.”
It plays a vital role in HSBC’s global digital and operational ecosystem. Led by Mark Paul Apilan, the company’s people strategy centers on three pillars: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); employee well-being; and a strong sense of belonging.
Employees are encouraged to collaborate globally while maintaining pride in their local identity. HSBC EDP stands out for its inclusive culture, where people are seen as the company’s strongest link to global impact.
The goal? Ensure employees are not only productive but also happy and empowered.
Golden Arches Development Corporation (McDonald’s Philippines): A Launch Pad for Life
Few organizations capture the spirit of empowerment quite like McDonald’s Philippines, operated by Golden Arches Development Corporation, it was founded by George Yang in 1980 and is now led by Kenneth S. Yang.
The company employs over 70,000 people across 800 stores nationwide. At the heart of McDonald’s leadership philosophy are People, Purpose, and Process—principles that define its culture of opportunity and growth.
Remarkably, 70% of its workforce are working students. This illustrates its belief that “McDonald’s is not just a job, but a launch pad for life.”
With philosophies such as Opportunity without Compromise and Lifelong Learning and Training, McDonald’s fosters an environment where every crew member can grow into a leader.
Its culture—grounded in malasakit (genuine concern), teamwork, and customer focus—continues to make a difference in countless Filipino lives.
At the end of the evening, Golden Arches Development Corporation was named Employer of the Year. President Kenneth S. Yang received the award and expressed gratitude to PMAP for the recognition—and to the management team and employees who live out the company’s values every day.
The Power of Empowered Leadership
The stories of these five organizations remind us that true leadership is not about control. It’s about unleashing human potential.
Whether through feedback cultures, financial empowerment, operational synergy, inclusion, or lifelong learning, these companies share a universal truth: empowered people create empowered organizations.
As the workplace continues to evolve, these leaders set the benchmark. They show how purpose, empathy, and vision can transform not only businesses but entire communities.
Indeed, their journeys affirm the PMAP ideal: the heart of organizational excellence is—and will always be—its people.
Build Your Own Award-Winning Workplace
The success stories of the PMAP Employer of the Year honorees prove one thing: great leadership begins with people.
Is your organization ready to cultivate a culture of excellence, empowerment, and purpose-driven growth?
Partner with John Clements Consultants, a trusted leader in people and organizational development. From strategic recruitment to leadership training, we help businesses build workplaces that inspire success.
Contact us today and start your journey toward becoming an employer of choice.
