The Outstanding Workers of the Republic
(TOWER) Awards

Promoting Excellence in the Workplace
June 2007
 

As we go through our everyday tasks, we rarely stop to think about the people who keep our routines running smoothly. Behind the scenes, workers in basic industries, manufacturing and services make sure that everything is in proper working order, and our days go by without a hitch.

In recognition of the importance and contributions of skilled workers to the country's economic and technological development, Metrobank Foundation, Inc. has partnered with the Rotary Club of Manila for The Outstanding Workers of the Republic (TOWER) Awards, the annual nationwide search for exemplary non-supervisory blue- and white-collar employees. A rigorous pre-screening process narrowed down the national nominees to a shortlist of five candidates for the deliberation of the 2007 Board of Judges, led by Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas II.

The three winners selected this year possess the persevering attitude and innovative spirit expected of every TOWER awardee. Practical knowledge of the day-to-day operations enabled them to identify problem areas and, more importantly, develop a unique solution that enhances their work output. Out of the three honorees, two hail from companies who have previously enjoyed success in the TOWER Awards; Andrew Cabang has been a welder-mechanic for Del Monte Philippines for the past 28 years, while wastewater operative Nestor Suganob is the seventh winner produced by Manila Water. Rounding up the winners' circle is Larrydith Leano, a mouldsetter from Styrotech Corporation, a first-time participant of the TOWER Awards.

Inspiring innovations
When Andrew Cabang was assigned to do mechanical duties at the Del Monte plantation's prototype shop, he immediately put his metal fabrication skills to good use. Policy changes brought about by the Clean Air Act called for the use of expensive imported equipment to chop pineapple plants for disposal. To cut down on operation costs, Andy devised a portable chopper made entirely out of scrap materials. Now fully operational, the chopper has an estimated cost of P5,000/hectare, compared to P9,000/hectare for branded counterparts.

Nestor Suganob's TOWER Award comes in the heels of a company citation. As Manila Water's 2006 Huwarang Manggagawa Grand Awardee, he bested eighteen finalists from the company's different divisions with his two innovations. Nestor devised an air diffuser lock opener, which enables Manila Water to reuse instead of replace its existing air diffusers, thus ensuring the company's uninterrupted operation. He also improvised a gravity-powered chlorinator, which minimizes operating expenses for electricity and reduces the monitoring process of plant personnel. In addition, Nestor and his team was commended for their extra efforts in ensuring the proper functioning of the sewerage system during Typhoon Milenyo.

Originally a machine operator. Larrydith Leano grabbed the opportunity to move to mould maintenance, where his interest in mechanics and independent initiative held him in good stead. Larry's improvement of the mould cooling system for various polystyrene and polypropylene thermoforming machineries has resulted in increased overall productivity and quality of the company's products. It has also improved worker safety by eliminating the cause of potential heat injuries, and complies with environmental concerns, with the elimination of product rejects and wastage.

A culture of excellence
The winners of the 2007 TOWER Awards receive a P100,000 cash incentive from the Metrobank Foundation. Other prizes include a trophy, a Baccalaureate Degree from the Technological University of the Philippines, and transferable academic scholarships from other partner universities and colleges.

Previous TOWER awardees have gone on to become role models in their respective workplaces, promoting the work values and ethics for which they were recognized. MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña notes, "By honoring the unsung heroes of our workplace, who through their dedication, perseverance and innovations have propelled their respective organizations, the Metrobank Foundation continues to express its commitment to building a nation with a culture of excellence."

The Metrobank Foundation is the corporate social responsibly arm of the Metrobank Group of Companies. Over the last 28 years, it has promoted a culture of excellence among Filipinos through its various programs notably the Search for Outstanding Teachers, the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence, The Outstanding Philippine Soldier, Country's Outstanding Policemen in Service, the Metrobank Math Challenge, and College Scholarship Program. The Foundation also has a grants program that assists NGOs and government in the fields of education, healthcare, and the arts. Metrobank Foundation celebrates Filipino excellence and presents wellsprings of hope in the future of our nation.