CHRO Series PHILIPPINES

The CHRO's Balancing Act:

AI, Wages and the Workforce in 2027

23 – 24 February 2027

Manila, Philippines

Brought to you by:

#CHROSeriesPhilippines

THE CHRO'S BALANCING ACT: AI, WAGES AND THE WORKFORCE IN 2027

Philippine enterprises are officially entering the "revenue-decoupled" workforce era. With IBPAP reporting 2027 sector revenues outstripping headcount growth by nearly 2.5x (6.1% revenue vs. 2.6% hiring), growth no longer means adding seats—it means driving higher yield per full-time employee. CHROs must now bridge this productivity gap: leveraging agentic AI to upscale frontline roles, maximizing CREATE MORE Act (RA 12066) tax incentives, and maintaining strict compliance under DOLE's aggressive labor inspections.

As a vital C-suite value architect, the modern CHRO must balance AI integration and regulatory risk with human-centered well-being. CHRO Series Philippines 2027 delivers an actionable roadmap through interactive keynotes, panel discussions, real-world case studies, and collaborative peer roundtables to construct an enterprise that is technologically advanced, legally resilient, and deeply agile.

Key themes for 2027 include:

✔ Governed AI & High-Trust Transformation
✔ DOLE Compliance & Wage Order Governance
✔ Skills-First Agility & Talent Mobility
✔ The Data-Driven Strategic CHRO

This year, the event structure has been updated to:

✔ Workshop 1: February 23, 2027
✔ Main Conference: February 24, 2027

Join 150+ CHROs for high-level networking, best practice sharing, and insights from top HR thought leaders to drive business success.

CHRO Series Philippines

*The event agenda below is subject to change.
Pre-Workshop: Philippine Labor Compliance Masterclass 2027: Wage Orders, Contracting Risk, Due Process & AI Restructuring

Date: 23 February 2027
Time: 9:00am-5:00pm
Venue: TBC
Facilitator: TBC

WORKSHOP DELIVERABLES


This masterclass provides immediate, execution-ready legal risk toolkits that shield the enterprise from multi-million-peso DOLE compliance orders, co-employer regularization liabilities, and illegal dismissal backpay penalties. It replaces theoretical labor law concepts with battle-tested compliance frameworks that protect the C-suite from personal liability while unlocking substantial corporate tax incentives under the CREATE MORE Act.

Key Deliverables:

  • DOLE & D.O. 174 Inspection Readiness Audit Kits: Standardized self-audit checklists and contractor review templates to pass general labor inspections and eliminate co-employer liabilities.
  • CREATE MORE Act Tax Deduction Claim Frameworks: Step-by-step BIR documentation protocols to successfully claim the 100% additional tax deduction on AI and technical workforce upskilling.
  • Supreme Court-Compliant Restructuring & Disciplinary Blueprints: Legally defensible redundancy selection matrices, Notice to Explain (NTE) formats, and administrative hearing scripts to execute AI-driven organizational changes safely.


WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

Session One: Peak HR Roadmap
Shaping meaningful employee experience focused on Purpose, Passion & Performance

Session Two: Pathways to Success
Creating a fantastic onboarding experience to set the new hires for success

Session Three: Great Leaders, Great Cultures
Empowering Quality Mind Leaders & develop Succession Management toolkit
08.30am
Registration & Coffee
09.00am
Session 1: Navigating Regional Wage Orders & Resolving Wage Distortion
  • Managing Mandatory Wage Increases: Recalibrating corporate compensation bands following regional RTWPB wage orders to maintain internal equity.
  • Resolving Wage Compression & Distortion: Applying legal formulas to adjust pay scales fairly across job grades without triggering NLRC claims.
  • Surviving DOLE Labor Inspections: Preparing timekeeping, allowance records, and statutory contribution proof for DOLE general labor standards audits.
10.30am
Morning Coffee Break & Networking
11.00am
Session 2: D.O. 174 Contracting, Subcontracting & Co-Employer Risk 
  • Eliminating Labor-Only Contracting Risks: Auditing third-party vendors and agencies against D.O. 174 substantial capital and control metrics.
  • Managing Solidary Liability: Establishing joint payroll oversight to protect the principal enterprise from contractor statutory benefit defaults.
  • Safeguarding Control Boundaries: Training internal leads to avoid direct supervision over agency personnel to prevent employee reclassification.
12.30pm
Networking Luncheon
1.30pm
Session 3: AI-Era Restructuring, Redundancy & Lawful Reorganization
  • Establishing Valid Grounds for Redundancy: Documenting technological advancement and process automation to satisfy Supreme Court standards for role elimination.
  • Executing Lawful Separation Protocols: Managing statutory 30-day DOLE notices, separation pay calculations, and selection criteria to prevent illegal dismissal rulings.
  • Managing Workforce Reskilling Mandates: Balancing enterprise automation with fair opportunity frameworks under the CREATE MORE Act (RA 12066) L&D tax incentives.
15.00pm
Afternoon Tea Break
15.30pm
Session 4: Bullet-proofing Due Process in Disciplinary & Termination Proceedings
  • Drafting Watertight Notices to Explain (NTE): Structuring formal charges, specific policy violations, and clear response timelines to withstand legal scrutiny.
  • Conducting Administrative Hearings: Establishing impartial internal hearing procedures that guarantee substantive and procedural due process.
  • Navigating Constructive Dismissal Claims: Mitigating legal exposure during performance management, job reassignments, and remote/hybrid policy enforcement.
5.00pm
Summary, Q&A and End of Workshop

24 FEBRUARY: CHRO CONFERENCE


8.15am
Registration & Networking
9.15am
Organizer’s Welcome Address
9.20am
Chairperson’s Opening Remarks

9.30am
[KEYNOTE SESSION]
Growth Without Headcount: The CHRO’s Blueprint When Revenue Outpaces Hiring
  • Decoupling Revenue from Headcount: Re-architecting workforce capacity to deliver projected 6.1% revenue growth on a lean 2.6% headcount expansion.
  • Governing Enterprise Productivity: Shifting board metrics from traditional headcount tracking to Revenue per FTE and AI-assisted output.
  • Leveraging Fiscal Incentives: Unlocking 100% additional tax deductions under the CREATE MORE Act (RA 12066) to fund high-yield AI and technical upskilling.

10.00am
[Panel Discussion]
The Agile Workforce Mix—Integrating Full-Time, Contract, and Gig Talent Seamlessly
  • DOLE Compliance & Risk Mitigation: Enforcing clear legal boundaries under DOLE D.O. 174 to avoid labor-only contracting penalties.
  • Seamless Contingent Integration: Aligning project talent with business goals while avoiding joint-employer liabilities and data security risks.
  • Blended Workforce Culture: Fostering psychological safety and brand cohesion across full-time employees and external gig specialists.
10.30am

Reserved for Industry Partner

11.00am
Morning Tea Break
11.30am
[Case Study]
Overcoming "Bring Your Own AI"—How an Enterprise Built a Governed, Enterprise-Wide AI Workforce Strategy
Faced with rising shadow IT risks, a leading enterprise introduced a centralized "AI Kitchen" framework to eliminate unmonitored "Bring Your Own AI" usage. By pairing enterprise LLM guardrails with grassroots hackathons, the company enabled employees to build over 400 safe, custom AI automations—achieving a 90% adoption rate while completely safeguarding corporate data.
  • Establishing Secure "AI Kitchen" Guardrails: Deploying a centralized enterprise LLM landing zone to eliminate shadow AI and safeguard proprietary data.
  • Driving Grassroots Innovation: Empowering non-technical teams with low-code tools and enterprise sandboxes to build custom automation workflows.
  • Aligning CISO Oversight with CHRO Strategy: Uniting IT security and HR leadership under one governance model to upskill employees and boost productivity.

12.00pm
Reserved for Industry Partner

12.30pm
Lunch & Networking
13.45pm
INTERACTIVE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION GROUPS [75 MINS]

Ask the experts and have your say! Structured to maximize interaction and in-depth focus on a topical subject matter, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a roundtable of their choice, which has close relevance to their area of expertise and/or scope of responsibility. We will conclude with a 15mins sharing session, where each Roundtable Leader will present key highlights and takeaways from the group discussion.


ROUNDTABLE A

Navigating the CREATE MORE Act—Maximizing Tax Deductions for Upskilling




ROUNDTABLE B

Kapwa in a Remote/Hybrid Era—Sustaining Filipino Core Values Across Dispersed Teams




ROUNDTABLE C

Financial Wellness as the New EX—Addressing Cost-of-Living Pressures on Performance



ROUNDTABLE D

Retaining Strategic Talent Against Cross-Border Remote Hiring: Competing Beyond Peso Parity




ROUNDTABLE E

The "Next Wave Cities" Playbook: Mitigating Manila Saturation Through Regional Talent Hubs

ROUNDTABLE F

Building a Practical Skills-First Architecture without Overhauling HR Systems

15.00pm
Afternoon Tea Break
15.30pm
Reserved for Industry Partner
16.00pm
[Fireside Chat]
Designing Sustainable Productivity: Shifting Performance Metrics from Activity Hours to Output
  • Shifting to Outcome KPIs: Measuring deliverable quality and business impact over hours logged.
  • Ending Digital Exhaustion: Removing invasive tracking and meeting fatigue to protect focus time.
  • Building Trust & Accountability: Empowering flexible schedules while enforcing high-performance standards
16.45pm
[Closing Panel]
CFO-CHRO Synergy: Absorbing Mandatory Wage Hikes Without Sacrificing Operating Margins
  • Balancing Wage Inflation Against Budgets: Strategies for offsetting mandatory base pay increases through operational automation, upskilling yield, and non-cash total rewards.
  • De-Risking Labor Cost Volatility: Forecasting long-term payroll impact during annual planning to cushion against mid-year regional wage hikes.
  • Optimizing De Minimis Tax Allowances: Reallocating cash increases into tax-exempt benefit structures to maximize net take-home pay without bloating taxable payroll.
17.30pm
End of Conference

PREVIOUS CHRO SPEAKERS

Paul Adapon

Senior Regional HR Business Partner - APAC
8x8 International (Philippine Branch Office)

Wilson Tan

Regional Account Director
Coursera

Ellen Fulido

Vice President, Human Resources & Administrative Services
MBC Media Group

Ma Elizabeth D. Nasol

President and Owner
MEDN Management Consultancy Services

Hare Krisna Ramirez

Talent Acquisition Director
Enshored Philippines

Avery Balboa-Banta

VP HR
Globe Telecom

Eric del Castillo

Senior General Manager/Vice President, Human Resources Philippines and ASEAN special projects
Nissan Motor Corporation

Elisa Albalajon

CHRO and Agile Transformation Lead
Universal Robina Corporation

Michelle Cordero Garcia

Chief HR Officer
Sun Life Philippines

Marco Angelo B. Padernal

Human Resources Director
Robinsons Supermarket Corporation

Francoise Bejasa

Executive Director, Talent Acquisition APAC
TTEC

Joanne Flinn

Chairwoman
The ESG Institute

Carla G. Lanza

Chief People Officer
Maya

Michelle Guce

Chief HR and Admin Officer
Malayan Insurance

Angelo S. Macario

Chief Human Resource Officer
National Museum of the Philippines

Rolly Zubiri

Director for Human Resource Operations
Newport World Resorts

Kiel S. Abuiza

Human Resources Director | Marikina Valley Medical Center
Metro Pacific Health

Vincent Benedicto

Vice President, Human Resources
UnionBank of the Philippines

Maria Theresa G. Sebastian

Assistant Vice President – Human Resources
SM Development Corporation

Michelle Rubio

CHRO
UnionBank of Philippines

Rosita Ceres Legaspi-Aguas

Chief Human Resources Officer and Head – People, Learning and Culture
Unilab, Inc.

ESG MASTERCLASS SPEAKER

Joanne Flinn

CHRO PHILIPPINES PARTNERS

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ticket prices and information for CHRO Philippines

Day 1: CHRO Philippines1-4 ticket(s) (SGD)5 tickets and above (per ticket) (SGD)

Early Bird (1 Sep to 31 Oct 2024)

S$299S$279

Advanced Saver (1 Nov to 31 Dec 2024)

S$399S$379

Regular Price (1 Jan to 13 Feb 2025)

S$499S$439

1 to 4 delegates (SGD)
27 January 2026: Pre-Conference Workshop S$599 per delegate
28 January 2026: Conference (Delegate) S$499 per delegate
28 January 2026: Confere4ce (Vendor/Solution Provider) S$1000 per delegate
[Bundle 2-days] Conference & Pre-Conference Workshop S$998 per delegate

Take advantage of our Advance Saver pricing up to December 31, 2025
Note: Prices will increase after this period.

CHRO Philippines 21 Feb 20241 ticket4-10 tickets (per ticket) (SGD)
Early Bird (1 Nov to 31 Dec 2023)S$299S$279
Advanced Saver (1 Jan to 31 Jan 2024)S$399S$379
Regular Price (1 Feb to 21 Feb 2024)S$499S$439

ticket prices and information for CHRO Workshop

Day 2: CHRO Workshop1 - 4 ticket(s) (SGD)5 tickets and above (per ticket) (SGD)

Early Bird (1 Sep to 31 Oct 2024)

S$895S$799

Advanced Saver (1 Nov to 31 Dec 2024)

S$945S$819

Regular Price (1 Jan to 13 Feb 2025)

S$995S$869

Register now

Reserve your
tickets now.

The CHRO series promises to be exciting this year.
But it'll be even better with you with us.

Paul Adapon

Senior Regional HR Business Partner – APAC – 8×8 International (Philippine Branch Office)
Bio

Paul Adapon is the Senior Regional HR Business Partner for APAC at 8×8 International (Philippine Branch Office). He has over two decades of experience in the full spectrum of Human Resources, focusing on linking people initiatives to business objectives, driving growth, and fostering high-performance cultures.

His expertise includes strategic manpower planning, competency-based performance management, Organization Development (OD), Learning & Development, Employee and Labor Relations, and Talent Acquisition.

Prior to 8×8, he held leadership roles at enables GROUP, Prople BPO Inc., Pointwest Technologies Corporation, Sun Cellular, and P&A Grant Thornton. Paul is recognized for coupling deep HR knowledge with exceptional business acumen, sound judgment, and a commitment to inclusive, high-performance cultures. He is known for his strategic vision, integrity, and hands-on approach to advancing the HR profession.

Wilson Tan

Regional Account Director – Coursera
Bio

Wilson Tan is the Regional Account Director at Coursera, leading strategic partnerships across Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. He works closely with People Leaders to drive workforce transformation through a Skills-First approach. Prior to Coursera, he held roles at Gartner, the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, and Thomson Reuters. His expertise spans across workforce transformation, business strategy, and innovation.

Ellen Fulido

Vice President, Human Resources & Administrative Services – MBC Media Group
Bio

Ms. Ellen Fullido is the 2022 President of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP). Ellen is a member of the Philippine Society of Fellows and holds the distinction of Fellow in People Management. She is currently the Vice President for Human Resources & Administrative Services at FJ Elizalde Group of Companies, and Business Partner of MBC Resources, Inc. – the managing company of the Manila Broadcasting Company.

Before becoming the President of PMAP, she held other positions: Vice President and Annual Convention Chair (2021), Board Secretary (2020), Board of Trustee (2015, 2016, 2018), and Chair of the Media and Communications Committee. She is also a member of the Council of Presidential Advisers (COPA) of PMAP.

She is a recipient of the PMAP Makatao Awards for Media Excellence and was Philippine Representative and Panelist to the Global HR Forum held in Tokyo, Japan last November 2024.

Ms. Ellen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management & Industrial Engineering from Mapua Institute of Technology and Post Graduate Studies in Human Resource Management at the University of Santo Tomas.

Ma Elizabeth D. Nasol

President and Owner – MEDN Management Consultancy Services
Bio
  • Past President, People Management Association of the Philippines
  • Past President Organization Development Professional Network
  • Past President , Compensation Management Society of the Philippines
  • Diplomate in People Management
  • Fellow , Total Rewards Management
  • Strategic Human Resource practice in various industries and conglomerates –
  • Energy Development Corporation, San Miguel Corporation, Globe Telecom Inc, and
  • Roxas Holdings Corporation
  • HR Consulting Experience with John Clements Consulting Inc .
  • HR Consulting , MEDN Management Services Company
  • BS Psychology , University of Santo Tomas
  • Executive Development Program , INSEAD
  • Strategic Human Resource Management , University of Michigan

Hare Krisna Ramirez

Talent Acquisition Director – Enshored Philippines
Bio

Krisna has spent more than two decades building her career in Human Resources, with a focus on Talent Acquisition across different industries. Much of her journey has been in the BPO and Shared Services sector, where she had the chance to grow alongside pioneering organizations from their early start‑up days. Over the years, she has taken on leadership roles, including serving as Head of Talent Acquisition for IGT Technologies, Alta Resources and now at Enshored. Believing in the importance of a growth mindset, she takes part in initiatives that help leaders and teams develop through training and facilitation.

She holds a Psychology degree from Miriam College and has pursued further learning through certifications in Human Resources and Organizational Development. Outside of work, Krisna enjoys exploring her creative side—she trained in Culinary School and loves experimenting with new recipes. She also values time spent traveling with her husband, discovering new places and experiences. Krisna believes her career has been shaped by continuous learning, collaboration, and the people she has worked with, and she looks forward to sharing those insights with others.

Avery Balboa-Banta

VP HR – Globe Telecom
Bio

Avery Banta is a visionary HR leader and passionate architect of people, teams, and organizations. As VP and Head of HR Business Partners, Change Management, and Organization Development at Globe Telecom, she leads a high-impact HR team that empowers individuals and enables teams to deliver results that truly matter.

With a strong foundation in Communication and Business, Avery blends strategic foresight with empathy and executional excellence. She has led transformative enterprise shifts – from building new teams and driving culture change to spearheading large-scale reorganizations.

A PMP® and Agilist, with credentials from Project Management Institute, INSEAD, Kellogg, and Emeritus, Avery is recognized for turning bold ideas into tangible impact. She thrives at the intersection of strategy, people, and change, bringing energy, clarity, and collaboration to every endeavor, always driving progress with purpose.

Beyond her corporate leadership, Avery is a devoted mentor and leadership advocate. For over two decades, she has trained and coached aspiring project managers and emerging leaders, helping them gain expertise, confidence, and a deeper belief in their own potential.

Eric del Castillo

Senior General Manager/Vice President, Human Resources Philippines and ASEAN special projects – Nissan Motor Corporation
Bio

Eric, a transformative leader with over 30 years of expertise in human resources, has dedicated his career to shaping people-centric organizations that inspire excellence and growth. As Vice President of Human Resources for Nissan Philippines, he has been a catalyst for change, driving a culture of innovation, engagement, and performance within the company.

A distinguished graduate of the University of the Philippines with a Master’s Degree in Industrial Relations, Eric’s passion for people development has been widely recognized in the industry. His leadership has earned him two President’s Innovation Awards, presented by Nissan Philippines Presidents—first in 2017 from Mr. Ramesh Narasimhan, and again in 2023 from Mr. Juan Manuel Hoyos. These accolades are a testament to his commitment to building a high-performance organizational culture, fostering talent, and making Nissan a desirable place to work.

Eric is a Certified Executive Coach from the Center of Executive Coaching, USA. With specialized training in coaching both emerging and seasoned leaders, he equips them to excel in managing high-performance teams, serving as catalysts for organizational change, and leading transformative efforts even in the face of challenges. His ability to mentor leaders through complex organizational dynamics further highlights his dedication to developing leadership excellence and driving long-term success within the company.

Eric is also a certified facilitator of DDI, specializing in both Interaction Management (IM) and Targeted Selection (TS), with a particular focus on behavior-based interviewing. His expertise in these areas has taken him across the region, where he has both attended and led training programs in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Through these international engagements, Eric has demonstrated his ability to impart valuable management and talent selection skills, further enhancing his reputation as a key influence in the field of Human Resources.

Having been with Nissan for nine years, Eric has made significant contributions in talent management, employee engagement, total rewards, and overall employee experience. His leadership has been pivotal in enhancing these areas, driving a people-first culture that prioritizes employee well-being and performance. Notably, his work in key talent acceleration—identifying high-potential employees and developing them for leadership roles—has been recognized as a best practice by Nissan Asia & Oceania. This recognition highlights his ability to shape the future leadership pipeline, ensuring a steady supply of capable leaders for Nissan’s continued success.

Under Eric’s leadership, Nissan Philippines has flourished, achieving noteworthy milestones in employee satisfaction and employer branding. Nissan won back-to-back awards in 2023 and 2024, receiving the Best Employer Brand Award from the Employer Branding Institute of India (2023), and being named the 7th Best Employer in the country by the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Statista (2024). These accolades speak volumes about the positive organizational culture that Eric has helped cultivate, further solidifying the company’s standing as a top employer in the region. These achievements demonstrate Eric’s ability to align human resources strategies with Nissan’s broader business goals, resulting in a workplace that not only attracts top talent but also retains them.

Beyond his professional achievements, Eric is a mentor, a coach, and an advocate for the next generation of HR leaders. As a fellow in People Management and a former Board of Trustees member of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), he continues to give back to the HR community that has shaped his career. His warmth, dedication, and vision have touched countless lives, making him not just a leader but an inspiration to many within the human resources profession.

On October 17, 2024, Eric was named People Manager of the Year (regional exemplar) by the prestigious People Management Association of the Philippines (preeminent society of people managers in the Philippines with over 2000 member companies) at its annual conference held in Iloilo Convention Center, IloIlo City.

In 2025, Eric was recognized by CHRO Asia with an Exemplary Leader Award for his notable contribution in promoting the HR practice in the Philippines. The ceremonies were held at the Dusit Thani Hotel on April 28, 2025.

He was also named as one of the top 25 HR leaders to watch for in 2025 by Traicon at the culmination of the World HR Summit Philippines on May 23, 2025 at the Heritage Hotels in Manila.

Elisa Abalajon

CHRO and Agile Transformation Lead – Universal Robina Corporation
Bio

Lisa is an experienced leader who worked with business executives to deliver transformational and cultural changes in varying organizational environments. She has more than 25 years of solid HR experience gained from various industries including technology, retail and fast moving consumer goods, mostly in senior leadership positions.

Lisa is motivated to work in an environment that is open, inclusive and respects diversity. She strongly believes in a performance driven, values led organization. She aspires to continue making a difference to individuals and organizations by enabling them to understand their strengths and unleashing their true potentials.

She is currently the Chief HR Officer and Agile Transformation Lead of Universal Robina Corporation (URC), a food and beverage Philippine-based company, with operations in Asia Pacific. She supports more than 14,000 organic employees across different business units, and manages an HR team of >200 employees across different markets.

Lisa used to work for Mondelez International prior to joining URC. She used to be their HR Director, Human Resources for Southeast Asia based in Singapore. Prior to Mondelez, she also worked in Intel Corporation and had an expatriate assignment supporting one of the more advance fabrication factories in the US at that time.

She is a lawyer by profession graduating with honors from the Ateneo de Manila. She completed her Executive MBA from Singapore Management University in 2013..

Michelle Cordero Garcia

Chief HR Officer – Sun Life Philippines
Bio

With over 30 years of experience as an HR Leader and Influencer, Michelle continues to pursue her passion around Strategic Business Partnering, Culture Transformation, and Talent Revolution. She is a strong advocate of cultivating continuous learning, resiliency, and belongingness in the workplace. Today, she is the Chief HR Office of Sun Life Philippines.

Recognized as one of the 2024 Top 30 Filipino Leaders to follow on Linked-in, Michelle was the sole recipient of the 2023 Platinum HR Leader of the Year by the Philippine HR Awards.

Also last year, she was listed as Top 3 in the Bridge 100 Top Talent Leaders in the Philippines, recognized as one of the 22 Global Women Who Rule (GWWR), and recently accorded the Pillar of HR Award by the Philippines HR Group (PHRG)

She served as the 2018 National President of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) and today, she sits part of PMAP’s Council of Presidential Advisers.

Outside of her corporate responsibility, Michelle actively pushes for various HR volunteer advocacies that advance the practice of Filipino HR. She maintains a well-balanced life as she keeps a home with her husband and three children.

Marco Angelo B. Padernal

Human Resources Director – Robinsons Supermarket Corporation
Bio

Marco is currently the HR Director at Robinsons Supermarket Corporation overseeing its entire Human Resources function. With his over 16 years of Human Resources experience, he is leading the HR strategy of Robinsons Retail’s largest group – Food Segment, which is comprised of Robinsons Supermarket, The Marketplace, Shopwise, Robinsons Easymart, No Brand, and Uncle John’s. He has a well-rounded exposure in various industries, namely retail, information technology, cable & telecommunications, and investment management. Marco was recognised in 2024 as one of the Top 100 Talent Leaders in the Philippines by the Bridge Group. In 2022, he was also one of only six Filipinos recognised in the “40 Under 40 Asia HR Leaders” awards that celebrated 40 exemplary HR leaders who have been at the forefront of the transformations in the APAC region. Marco graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Management, minor in Strategic Human Resources Management at the Ateneo De Manila University. He also completed the Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP®) Program.

Francoise Bejasa

Executive Director, Talent Acquisition APAC – TTEC

Joanne Flinn

Chairwoman – The ESG Institute
Bio

Thought leader, award-winning author and respected international keynote speaker, Joanne Flinn has brought inspiration, insight, and action to audiences across countries and industries. Her deep experience enables her to share true insights about digital disruption, change and leadership. Her empathy and realism help people succeed in business and life. As the Chair of the Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Institute, Joanne works with Chairman and CEOs of global entities to develop, scale and deploy sustainability strategies.

Carla G. Lanza

Chief People Officer – Maya
Bio

Carla “Charee” Lanza is the Chief People Officer of Maya Philippines, Inc. Her insights and perspective on Human Resources Management and Corporate Culture are as rich as the history of the company itself, and its role in the digital transformation of emerging markets.
Charee was, after all, part of the telco startup that was Smart Communications in 1996. In 2013, Voyager/PayMaya was established as a response to the challenge of digital transformation in the telco industry. To help drive the company to be as agile, nimble and relevant in this rapidly changing world, Charee has been uniquely applying her experience in organization transformation and change management, talent acquisition, management, and development, strategic rewards, and employee engagement.

Since rebranding in 2022, Maya has sustained its leadership as the Philippines’ #1 fintech ecosystem, with Maya Bank growing deposits to over ₱43 billion, disbursing nearly ₱120 billion in loans, and issuing 125,000+ credit cards while achieving group-wide profitability by 2024. Under Charee’s people leadership, Maya has also gained recognition for transforming its workplace through AI-powered efficiencies, driving innovation and scale across its rapidly expanding operations.

Michelle Guce

Chief HR and Admin Officer – Malayan Insurance
Bio

Mitch currently serves as the First Vice President and Chief HR and Admin Officer at Malayan Insurance Company, a leader in the non-life insurance industry in the Philippines. This sector, fundamentally built on assessing and managing risk, provides Mitch with a unique and pragmatic perspective on long-term organizational viability.

With over 25 years of experience in Human Resource Management, Mitch’s strategic approach is underpinned by her Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology from Ateneo de Manila University. She has skillfully applied this expertise across diverse areas, including organizational development, quality management, leadership, and culture management, with a specialty in experience design. Mitch firmly believes that people strategies are the ultimate risk mitigation tool. She actively works to translate global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards into actionable, human-centric strategies that foster true resilience.

Her commitment to holistic sustainability is influenced by her family background, as her late father, Edgard C. Guevara, was a noted Filipino environmentalist and founder of GEO FARM, a pioneering center for organic farming and ecological technologies in the country.

In addition to her role at Malayan Insurance, Mitch is highly involved externally. She has been recognized as a Fellow (FPM) of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) and currently serves as Treasurer of the PMAP Society of Fellows. Beyond her professional achievements, Mitch finds fulfillment in her involvement with the Teens’ Ministry of the International Church of Christ in Manila. Together with a team of coordinators, she mentors and guides the youth, encouraging positive choices, responsible citizenship, and leadership development.

  

Angelo S. Macario

Chief Human Resource Officer – National Museum of the Philippines
Bio

Angelo S. Macario is presently the Chief Human Resource Officer of the National Museum of the Philippines. With 17 years of experience as an HR Practitioner in both the private and public sectors such as the Philippine Civil Service Commission, National Library Board of Singapore and Department of Social Welfare and Development, and a strong advocate for the Equal Employment Opportunity Principle. Angelo champions inclusivity and diversity in the workplace, promoting the onboarding of talent irrespective of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or other conditions.

Having risen through the ranks, Angelo possesses comprehensive experience across all facets of Human Resource and Organizational Development, including HR
administration, management, and development. He consistently instills the principles of integrity, compassion, and ethical conduct in his team, encouraging them to always take
the high road.

Angelo holds a Master of Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Bachelor of Advertising and Public Relations, both from the Polytechnic University of the
Philippines, Manila.

Recently, Angelo was honored with the National Museum of the Philippines – Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (NMP PRAISE) Award for Best Division
Chief for the Administrative Cluster and was an Achievement Awardee for the NMP PAMANA Human Resource Management Information System along with the Office of the Director for Information Communications Technology section. These awards were presented on August
11, 2025.

Rolly Zubiri

Director for Human Resource Operations – Newport World Resorts
Bio

Rolly Zubiri graduated from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) with a degree in BS Psychology. He has more than 17 years of experience handling different facets of Human Resources and Project Management in various industries such as Oil & Gas, Financial, Insurance, and Hospitality. He was part of Petron’s project team that was sent to Malaysia to set up the company’s first off-shore operations, and led the HR Digitalization and Learning Management System development with Eastwest Ageas Life Insurance Corp. and Metrobank Card Corporation respectively. Currently, he is the Director for HR Operations with Newport World Resorts handling Compensation & Benefits/Payroll, Workforce Planning, Performance Management, and HR Project Management.

  

Kiel S. Abuiza

Human Resources Director | Marikina Valley Medical Center – Metro Pacific Health
Bio

Mr. Kiel S. Abuiza is currently the Human Resources Director of Marikina Valley Medical Center (MVMC), a tertiary hospital located in Sumulong Highway, Marikina City. MVMC is a proud member of Metro Pacific Health, the largest hospital group in the country to date.

Mr. Abuiza obtained his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Our Lady of Fatima University QC, and his Master’s in Business Administration from the Ateneo de Manila University Graduate School of Business – a dual certificate program recognized by the Regis University of Denver, Colorado, USA. He earned his Certificate in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management from the University of the Philippines, Diliman, School of Labor and Industrial Relations (SOLAIR). Currently, he is taking up Ph.D. in Business Management Major in Human Capital and Labor Relations at the Philippine Christian University – Manila Campus.

Before joining MVMC Mr. Abuiza has extensive exposure in various industries such as Quick Service Restaurant, Retail, Hospitality, and Healthcare both locally and overseas. His last overseas post was in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as Head of Operations of 45 restaurant outlets, and manages sub-franchisees in Oman, Dubai UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain.

Vincent Benedicto

Vice President, Human Resources – UnionBank of the Philippines
Bio

Vincent currently serves as Vice President for Human Resources at UnionBank of the Philippines.
Prior to this role, he was Senior Assistant Vice President for Human Resources at the Philippine National Bank (PNB) and Assistant Vice President for Human Resources at SM Development Corporation (SMDC. He also contributed to the academic community as a Part-Time Teacher in Leadership and Strategy at Ateneo de Manila University.
He holds an MBA from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor’s degree in Management Economics with a Minor in English Literature from Ateneo de Manila University, where he also completed his grade school and high school education.
He is certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, with Green Belt and Orange Belt certifications, and is skilled in Agile frameworks as a Professional Scrum Master (Levels 1 and 2) and Professional Scrum Product Owner (Level 1). His certifications also include ITIL Version 4, Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+), and PRC licensure as a Real Estate Broker.
With his breadth of corporate, academic, and technical expertise, he brings a strong commitment to developing leaders, enabling operational excellence, and driving organizational success through strategic, people-centered leadership.

Maria Theresa G. Sebastian

Assistant Vice President – Human Resources –  SM Development Corporation
Bio

Terry is a seasoned Human Resources leader with over a decade of proven expertise in talent acquisition, people development, and HR strategy across diverse industries including real estate, financial services, and insurance.

For the past 10 years, Terry has served as Assistant Vice President for Human Resources at SM Development Corporation (SMDC), where she has been instrumental in driving HR business strategies, enhancing organizational effectiveness, and building a culture of excellence within one of the country’s leading property developers. Her leadership has significantly contributed to strengthening the company’s talent pipeline and employee engagement programs.

Prior to joining SMDC, she held key HR leadership roles in the financial services sector. As Assistant Manager for Recruitment and Development at Sun Life Grepa Financial, she spearheaded recruitment initiatives and employee development programs designed to attract, retain, and grow high-performing talent. She also served as Assistant Manager for Recruitment at Philippine National Bank, where she managed end-to-end recruitment processes for one of the largest banking institutions in the Philippines.

With a strong background in recruitment and human capital development, Terry is recognized for her ability to align people strategies with business objectives, driving both organizational growth and employee success. Her career reflects a commitment to building future-ready workforces and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential.

Michelle Rubio

CHRO – UnionBank of Philippines
Bio

Michelle Rubio, EVP – Chief HR Officer at UnionBank and Corporate Social Responsibility Head, champions PeopleTech—a fusion of technology and human-centric HR—to build high-tech, high-touch talent. She leads culture and people transformation programs through UnionBank’s corporate University and UBPXcellerator to enable individuals and groups upskill, develop and adapt to a dynamic and evolving workplace. Her work drives workforce innovation and has earned global recognition.

  

Rosita Ceres Legaspi-Aguas (“Nanette”)

Chief Human Resources Officer and Head – People, Learning and Culture – Unilab, Inc.
Bio

Currently the Chief Human Resources Officer and Head for People, Learning, and Culture of Unilab Inc. She leads the human capital strategy and sets strategic leadership in the execution of business strategy, culture and organization transformation. Nanette concurrently holds the position of Head of Human Resources , with strategic oversight for Unilab International and UL Skin Sciences, Inc.

Most recently as the Unilab’s HR Head, Nanette is recognized among ‘PH Top Talent Leaders’ by Bridge Group, 50 Most Influential Women in HR and HR Icon ‘Most influential HR Leader’ SEA by ETHRWorld , ‘Culture Leader of the Year’ by TalentView ”

Previously, she was the Regional Human Resources Director for Asia Pacific at Johnson & Johnson International (Singapore), where she was also a member of the Global Finance HR Leadership Team and the Global Executive Coaching Council. She held various positions with increasing responsibilities in the Consumer, Pharma and Medical Devices business sectors in Asia Pacific. She likewise led the organizational set up for the Global Finance Shared Services Centers in Manila Center (Global Hub) and Suzhou China .

Earlier, she was Human Resources Director at Johnson & Johnson Medical Philippines., where she was awarded Outstanding ASEAN HR Business Partner for Human Resources.

Nanette also served as President of an Executive Search and HR Consulting firm and as Managing Director for Asia Pacific of the leading executive search firm. With her leadership, she took to helm the Manila Office and consumer /pharma ndustry practice.

Nanette has a degree in Bachelor of Science in Psychology with Management from Saint Louis University. She completed her Senior Management Program at the Asian Institute of Management.

Joanne Flinn

Chairwoman of the ESG Institute
Bio

Thought leader, award-winning author and respected international keynote speaker, Joanne Flinn has brought inspiration, insight, and action to audiences across countries and industries. Her deep experience enables her to share true insights about digital disruption, change and leadership. Her empathy and realism help people succeed in business and life. As the Chair of the Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Institute, Joanne works with Chairman and CEOs of global entities to develop, scale and deploy sustainability strategies.