by UnionBank Human Resources Group
As Aboitiz accelerates its GT2025 journey to become the Philippines’ first Techglomerate, UnionBank recognized that transformation is not just about technology—it’s about the people who use it. At the heart of every digital innovation is trust, and trust begins with security. This insight led to the launch of the CyberChampion Certification Program, a pioneering initiative designed to embed a security-first mindset across the organization.
The challenge was to shift the culture from compliance-driven to one where cybersecurity is a daily habit. UnionBank set out to empower employees with the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed to protect data, maintain digital trust, and strengthen cyber resilience—all while aligning with the Bank’s broader transformation goals.
To achieve this, the team designed the CyberChampion Framework, a structured learning journey with three phases: “I Know,” which introduced cybersecurity and security architecture principles; “I Remember,” which deepened knowledge through curated LinkedIn Learning modules; and “I Do,” which activated learning through gamified storytelling, peer knowledge-sharing, and real-life application. These phases were delivered through a multi-channel strategy that included awareness sessions, internal campaigns, and interactive activities that made learning meaningful, fun, and authentic.
Transformative Outcomes
Wide Participation
- Target: 30 participants per session across 4 batches (12 sessions total) • Actual: 140 participants completed all sessions, exceeding targets by over 100% • Bank-wide rollout via LinkedIn Learning reached 80% of UnionBank employees
Behavioral Change
- Employees now report 10–16 phishing emails daily using a new reporting feature
- Increased vigilance and adherence to security protocols
Learning Innovation
- 100% completion rate for gamified modules
- 85% average quiz score, with all participants mastering the material Cultural Impact
- Employees proactively apply security principles in projects and daily tasks
- Security architecture is now integrated into design and deployment decisions
- CyberChampion evolved into a shared commitment, strengthening collective resilience
CyberChampion also became a model for other capability-building initiatives across the Aboitiz Group. It evolved from an internal program into a movement—where security is no longer the responsibility of a few, but a shared commitment that strengthens collective resilience. The program leveraged technology, creativity, and behavioral science to make cybersecurity a habit, not just a requirement
This initiative reflects UnionBank’s purpose of Reimagining Banking to Uplift Lives by empowering employees to protect what matters most: customer trust, data integrity, and the future of digital banking. It demonstrates the Bank’s values in action—Integrity through ethical vigilance, Magis through excellence beyond expectations, and Ubuntu through shared learning and collaboration. CyberChampion is not just a certification— it’s a cultural shift, a strategic enabler, and a blueprint for how UnionBank builds a secure, inclusive, and future-ready organization.
