Yolanda Heroes Security Officer Victorino Gubalane_ Jr_ ALKFI Isabelita Montifar_ FRL_ ABS-CBN news anchor Ted Failon_ EL3_ Security Officer julius Ravelo_ ABS-CBN Atom Araulllo and ABS-CBN RNG Angelo AngoloFor the first time, the men and women representing the hundreds of Lopez Group volunteers and helpers in the aftermath of last year’s typhoon were also gathered together on one stage, hailed as Yolanda Heroes.

Signalling the formal start of the ceremony was the recitation of the Lopez Credo led by Angela Lopez, Operations head of Lopez Group Foundation Inc. (LGFI).

Making their way to ABS-CBN

Eugenio Lopez III (EL3), in his opening remarks, recalled how Yolanda set off a chain of events that culminated in Filipinos spontaneously making their way to the ABS-CBN headquarters. The line of people wanting to donate, EL3 said, stretched as far back as the Quezon Avenue MRT station.

ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio Lopez III (rightmost) with Yolanda Heroes Recognition for Leadership awardees (from right to left) FPH chairman Federico R. Lopez_ First Gen SVP Lito Santos and EDC president Ricky TantocoThe ABS-CBN chairman also suggested that, as in ABS-CBN’s homegrown Walk on Water Awards, an LAA category for “unsung heroes” be created to honor those who work in the background.

OML, in a message read for him by LGFI president Cedie Lopez Vargas, emphasized the importance of the Lopez Value of business excellence, describing it as “the bedrock upon which our business success and corporate longevity are built.”

“It is, in many ways, a collective expression, to represent the many mind sets, passions, processes and commitments that we take to ensure the proper execution of our strategies in order to stay competitive, relevant and successful,” OML noted.

Of the Yolanda Heroes and their commendable deeds, the chairman emeritus said: “It is, for the Lopez Group, another of many shining moments that go back some 150 years. And I know that there will be future shining moments, for our country lies in harm’s way, and whenever crisis threatens, we are called upon to provide leadership and relief. It is in our DNA.”

Cedie Vargas delivers message of Lopez Group patriarch Oscar M. LopezMike Lopez introduced the screening committee members and judges. According to the Lopez Holdings SVP for Corporate Affairs, with 50 nominees, the 2013 edition of the LAA was a record-breaking one in terms of the number of nominations received.

Winningest again

Taking charge of presenting the trophies and plaques to the awardees were EL3 and First Philippine Holdings chairman Federico R. Lopez (FRL).

For the second straight year, ABS-CBN emerged as the 2013 cycle’s winningest company, picking up seven awards.

Lopez Holdings SVP for Corporate Affairs Mike L. LopezThe Kapamilya network dominated the Customer Focus category with 60 Years of Philippine TV: Kwento Natin Ito and Halalan 2013. SKYcable also won in the category for Kapamilya Kita: SKY’s Personal Concierge Service Spreads the Gospel of “WOW at Saya” to Subscribers.

In the Public Responsibility category, “Failon Ngayon” as well as the “Tulong Na, Tabang Na, Tayo Na” and SKYcable’s Ang Tugon ng SKY sa Yolanda campaigns netted an LAA each. Completing the Public Responsibility winners’ list was Energy Development Corporation (EDC), with its entry Humanity, Humility and Hope: Our Story of Kapamilya Spirit Shining through despite the Yolanda Crisis.

Getting the LAA judges’ nod in Operations Management were EDC’s Immediate Return to Service of Leyte Geothermal Business Unit Power Plants and First Gen Hydro’s Relentless Pursuit to Restore Pantabangan Unit 1 Averts P690-Million Revenue Loss.

Asian Eye Institute’s Quick Turnaround from an Imminent Loss was the lone awardee in the Business Management category, while SKYcable picked up a statuette for its special operation, Animo SKY Zambo, in the Corporate Image Building category.

There was no winner in the Human Resource Focus category.

Meanwhile, the 2013 cycle’s special awardee, Bantay Bata 163 and Sagip Kapamilya program director Tina Monzon-Palma, was recognized for her exemplary leadership of the programs of ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. (now ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc.)

Second time host ABS-CBN publishing chief Ernie Lopez with Bianca GonzalesYolanda Heroes

A unique, one-time feature of the LAA’s 2013 cycle was the recognitions to individuals, groups and programs that volunteered and made huge sacrifices during the wrath of typhoon Yolanda.

In closing the LAA’s 2013 cycle ceremony, FRL reiterated the particular importance of the Lopez Value of business excellence.

The LAA team of r-l Ben Liboro Beth Canlas Kara Gandionco and Sam dela Costa“From where we stand, business excellence is not just a feelgood, nice-to-have value. For me, it will define the very survival and future of our Group. Although things like ISO certifications, Balanced Scorecard and all sorts of awards and citations may have their place, by business excellence I mean commercial and negotiation savvy, first-rate legal and regulatory project management, financial astuteness and sophistication and excellent communications skills, among other things.”

As to the LAA winners, FRL said: “Their success indicates one thing: it shows how values permeate our decisions and how embedded they are in our DNA.”

This year’s ceremony was once again hosted by ABS-CBN Publishing president Ernie Lopez, this time with Bianca Gonzalez as cohost. Providing musical entertainment were FPH Group Music Icons champion Marjorie Salanga, the REO Brothers, Matteo Guidicelli and “The Voice Kids” Final Four.

The LAA, launched in 2002, is a legacy project of the Lopez family. It is a major excellence award in the Lopez Group and is being managed by the LAA management team led by program directors Benjamin K. Liboro and Elizabeth M. Canlas.

Presenters Anthony Taberna and Angel Locsin

FPH Music Icons Champion Marjorie Salangat