By Daisy Valenciano and Aly Virrey
As we approach the end of the Year of Becoming, culture building has proven to be a vital foundation in our Great Transformation. The success of GT2025 rests on the strength of our A-People, whose dedication and teamwork drive our journey to becoming the country’s first techglomerate. With alignment and empowerment at the core of this Transformation, our focus on cultivating a strong, innovative culture is more important than ever.
In this special series, Aboitiz Eyes revisits our Culture Pillar Squads, highlighting the Year 2 milestones it has achieved together with A-People across the Group. This is another form of Synergy–one more rooted in our DNA and focused on mindset.
Recap: The Transformation Pillars
In 2022, Aboitiz identified key pillars essential to driving the Group’s Great Transformation. Among them is the Culture Pillar, focused on transforming mindset, capabilities, and agility to support the organization’s techglomerate aspirations. Also known as the Culture Tribe, this Pillar emphasizes a people-centric approach, ensuring that all A-People are aligned with the mission. Led by UnionBank’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Michelle Rubio, the Tribe’s efforts are anchored on three core missions: Shared Mindset and Transformed Behavior, Techglomerate Capabilities, and Agile Innovation and Ways of Working.
Squad 2 continues to fulfill its mandate by identifying techglomerate capabilities and developing blended learning programs tailored to them. Emphasizing innovative approaches to upskilling, reskilling, and newskilling our A-People, they’ve built on last year’s successes with initiatives like Agile Squad Onboarding, Aboitiz Agile Champions, and various learning sessions. This year, their focus has accelerated, particularly in capability building around Data, GenAI, and Agile methodologies.
Data Science Bootcamp
Following through from last year, the Data Science Bootcamp celebrated its first batch of graduates last January 12, with 30 participants completing online modules, enrichment sessions, and data science challenges. In addition to this, five Data Science Challenge groups and 25 module completers achieved a 100% completion rate for all 19 modules. The program also recognized 10 individuals for outstanding performance, along with SBU recognition for AboitizPower. Read more about it here.
Building on this success, Season 2 of the Data Science Bootcamp launched on April 22, with a remarkable 338 participants groupwide as of May. The program introduced a new, learner-led bootcamp design, offering flexibility for both new and continuing participants, allowing them to tailor their learning pace. Participants can choose when to complete self-paced modules, enrichment sessions, and challenges. The use of Google Classroom fosters community engagement, while Calendly automates scheduling for enrichment sessions, supporting ongoing virtual learning and development.
Initiatives to empower growth
In 2024, Squad 2 made significant strides in capability building with the groupwide deployment of a core capability self-assessment tool, now fully integrated into the Aboitiz Academy dashboard. This tool allows team members to evaluate their progress and align their growth with organizational goals. Additionally, several key programs were launched to further enhance skills, including the second release of LinkedIn Learning courses, strategically mapped to the A+10 core behaviors. Other initiatives included advanced training in Agile Ways of Working and access to GenAI learning resources from Gartner, equipping A-People with cutting-edge knowledge to thrive in the tech-driven future.
Skills of the future
As we enter 2025, the Year of Being, Squad 2’s focus remains on advancing capability programs that empower team members with critical skills. Continuing initiatives include digital and data literacy, GenAI prompt engineering, systems thinking, and GT storytelling. The successful Data Science Bootcamp will also carry on, with more participants joining the learning journey. Additionally, gamified review sessions will be introduced to support team members pursuing certification for Professional Scrum Master and Product Owner roles, reinforcing a commitment to agile excellence and continuous learning.
Stay tuned for the next chapters in our Special Series, where we highlight the incredible milestones achieved by Squads 1 and 3!
About the Culture Pillar
The Aboitiz Culture Pillar remains a key driver in the Group’s Great Transformation, ensuring every team member is aligned with the organization’s goals and aspirations in collaboration with the AEV Transformation Team. As we continue this cultural evolution, each leader and A-Person plays an essential role in shaping our journey toward becoming a techglomerate. To dive deeper into the Culture Pillar’s mission and access the latest updates, stories, and resources, visit the Transformation Microsite today!
