By Karen Mae Tayo
As organizations navigate an increasingly digital world, privacy remains at the heart of trust. This year’s Privacy Awareness Month was particularly meaningful as Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) celebrated “A Decade of Privacy: Strengthening Trust the Aboitiz Way,” marking ten years of advancing data privacy practices and fostering a culture of accountability across the Group.
Throughout May, A-People participated in a series of learning sessions, quizzes, and awareness activities designed to reinforce privacy fundamentals, explore emerging risks, and strengthen our shared responsibility in protecting personal data.
WEEK 1: Kicking Off Privacy Awareness Month
The month began with a message of support from Atty. Connie Chu, who officially stepped into her role as the new Data Protection Officer (DPO). In her message, she reaffirmed the importance of privacy as a cornerstone of trust and encouraged A-People to continue championing responsible data handling in their daily work.
To set the stage for the month-long celebration, team members took part in the first Privacy Quiz, which tested their knowledge of the Data Privacy Act and Aboitiz data privacy processes. Beyond creating friendly competition, the results provided valuable insights that helped shape the topics for the Privacy 101 Refresher Session later in the month.
Learning sessions also took center stage during the first week. The Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) Refresher session introduced the newly enhanced PIA process, featuring a simplified and fully automated form with AI-powered analysis to help teams assess privacy risks more efficiently.
A second session explored the evolving relationship between technology and privacy. In AI and Data Privacy in the Aboitiz Group Khenjie Cristobal, Data Protection Officer of Aboitiz Data Innovation, discussed the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence, emphasizing the importance of responsible and ethical AI adoption.
WEEK 2: Compliance Learning Session
Week two focused on the values that underpin a strong culture of privacy, accountability, and trust.
During the session on Trust in Action: Doing What’s Right the Aboitiz Way, Atty. Cyril Acasio of AEV Legal walked team members through key policies that guide ethical behavior across the organization, including the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, Anti-Corruption Guidelines, Gifts, Meals and Entertainment Guidelines, and the Whistleblowing Policy. The session reinforced the importance of acting with integrity, exercising sound judgment, and speaking up when concerns arise.
More than a discussion of policies, the session served as a reminder that trust is built through everyday decisions. By upholding ethical standards and doing what is right, A-People help create a workplace where accountability and responsible stewardship of information can thrive.
WEEK 3: Putting Privacy into Practice
Privacy awareness extends beyond policies and learning sessions. In its third week, the team conducted its annual Privacy Sweep at ATG Tower 2 to assess physical privacy and information security practices across workspaces.
The exercise evaluated compliance maturity in areas such as document handling, workstation security, and physical organization. More importantly, it served as a reminder that protecting personal data is everyone’s responsibility and that small, consistent actions contribute significantly to a stronger privacy culture.
WEEK 4: Culminating the Celebration
The month concluded with a special learning event presented by PJS Law, bringing together key privacy topics that reflected both foundational principles and emerging challenges.
The Privacy 101 Refresher Session revisited essential data privacy concepts and addressed specific knowledge gaps identified through the results of the first Privacy Quiz. Participants gained practical insights on how privacy requirements apply to their day-to-day responsibilities.
The Data Breach Management Session provided guidance on how to respond effectively to privacy incidents, including reporting obligations and requirements under the National Privacy Commission’s framework.
Finally, the Emerging Privacy Risks Session examined the growing impact of artificial intelligence and other evolving technologies on data privacy. Participants also took part in an engaging interactive activity, “AI or Human?”, which challenged them to distinguish between AI-generated and human-created content while highlighting the risks and opportunities that come with technological advancement.
To cap off the month, A-People tested their knowledge once again through Privacy Quiz #2, focusing on AI-related privacy risks and requirements. Top performers were recognized as Privacy Champions and awarded prizes for their outstanding results.
Advancing Trust for the Next Decade
A decade of privacy is ultimately a decade of people choosing to act responsibly, uphold high standards, and protect the trust placed in Aboitiz.
As we navigate an increasingly digital future, the strength of our privacy culture will continue to depend on the actions of every A-Person. By staying informed, embracing innovation responsibly, and remaining accountable for the data entrusted to us, we help build a stronger, more trusted Aboitiz.
Together, we will continue advancing trust, not just through policies and processes, but through the choices we make every day. That is the Aboitiz Way.
