For over two decades, the Don Ramon Aboitiz Award of Excellence (DRAAE) has been a pillar of the Aboitiz Group’s steadfast values and ideals, celebrating the commitment and notable achievements of its team members. This prestigious award honors our A-People who exemplify the core principles championed by Don Ramon Aboitiz, the founder of the Group, ensuring his legacy of leadership and integrity lives on.
At the 2024 Leaders Conference last May 6, Aboitiz Group President and CEO Sabin revealed UnionBank Chief Human Resources Officer Michelle Rubio as the latest DRAAE awardee.
The award recognizes the Aboitiz Group GT Culture Pillar Lead’s transformative impact and dedication to the organization’s cultural values. Celebrated for her visionary leadership and innovative approach to embracing change, she has made significant contributions to fostering a people-first culture as we advance together towards our techglomerate future. Michelle has led meaningful cultural shifts within the Group, further solidifying her status as a strategic thinker and compassionate mentor.
This recognition is a reflection of her influence and consistent efforts that have resonated deeply across the Aboitiz Group. As the latest addition to the distinguished circle of DRAAE awardees, Michelle stands as a testament to the power of leadership and the spirit of excellence that defines the Aboitiz Group.
Discover the inspiring stories and experiences of our A-People who have worked with Michelle in driving our culture transformation. Their journeys underscore the impact of this change, fueling our excitement for a vibrant future where our team members thrive in advancing business and communities.
Ron Batisan, UnionBank Branch Channel Management Head
Ms. Michelle and I started to work closely in 2017 when I led The Ark Project – the first fully digital bank branch in the Philippines. She led the culture and people transformation in UnionBank which for me was very pivotal in the implementation of our game-changing transformation projects.
She embodies the true meaning of a UnionBanker – open, agile, forward thinking and innovative. I witnessed a fully transformed UnionBank during her reign. On a personal level, she helped me a lot to achieve where I am right now from being a Project Manager to now Branch Channel Management Head.
Working with Michelle to introduce High Reliability Organization (HRO), risk-based product framework, and other initiatives has been a pleasure. Her openness and dedication make her a valuable asset to the team. –Josiah Go, UnionBank Director
Albert Cuadrante, UnionBank Chief Marketing Officer
The secret sauce to UnionBank’s successful digital transformation was its people transformation, being one of the first organizations to fully embrace and implement the agile way of working. The change management involved in this radical process and behavioral shift could not have been possible without the leadership of Michelle. In her own right, Michelle is very much a digital influencer. Maybe not the Tik Tok kind, but certainly the type of leader whose driving presence greatly influenced our ways of working. Unlike the typical “influencer” who talks a lot to push their advocacy and agenda, Michelle is quite the opposite. Michelle gains the trust and confidence of people because she’s a great listener. This allows her to really understand and process feedback from all stakeholders well and allows her to forge nurturing relationships, which makes her a joy to work with.
