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Monday, 30th January 2023



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Message from Lopez

Inspirational Remarks by Lopez Group Chairman Emeritus Oscar M. Lopez on the occasion of the Lopez Achievement Awards Ceremonies held at ABS-CBN Studio 10 on September 24, 2014

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Oscar M. LopezOscar M. LopezGood Afternoon to all of you and welcome once again to this year’s much-awaited Lopez Achievement Awards ceremonies.  I believe this is the thirteenth time we are holding these ceremonies, and for many of you here, 13 will be a lucky number.  I myself am very happy to be able to share this occasion with you.  Last year, I had to miss the ceremonies because I was out of the country on business.  This year, I made sure that nothing would interfere with my being here.

For those of you who are awardees for the first time, or are present for the awarding ceremonies for the first time, let me briefly explain why we are here.  Every year, we come together to honor those who have demonstrated excellence in the performance of their roles and duties as members of our corporate family, as well as to remember those who, over the more than eighty-year history of the Lopez businesses, have come to represent the spirit and meaning of excellence.  As I have mentioned several times in the past, I would also like to think that this afternoon’s occasion is less about handing out awards than it is about celebrating, together, the many things that we have done well in the course of the past operating year.  Unfortunately, we don’t have a venue large enough to accommodate all our fellow employees who would have wanted to be here this afternoon.  Every year, that number keeps growing.  So, for those of you who are fortunate enough to be here, do count your blessings and share your experience with your co-employees.  I hope that, in the not too distant future, we will have a venue, but always one that is our own, that will be large enough to fit many more of us.

Business Excellence is one of our seven core values, but it does not easily lend itself to definition.  Nor does it arouse the emotions and stir the heart the way some of our other core values do, like nationalism, integrity and social justice.  Often, “business excellence” evokes much more dispassionate connotations, like financial results, the balanced scorecard, competitiveness, continuous improvement, and quality.  And yet, business excellence is the bedrock upon which our business success and corporate longevity are built. 
It is, in many ways, a collective expression, to represent the many mindsets, passions, processes and commitments that we take to ensure the proper execution of our strategies in order to stay competitive, relevant and successful.

But if business excellence, as a term, does not immediately arouse the emotions, then you should listen to some of the stories that the nominations to the Lopez Achievement Awards tell.  Stories about how some of our colleagues go way out of their zones of comfort and safety in order to provide our customers the service that they expect, and often much more than they expect, under the most extreme adverse conditions.  Stories about how other colleagues of ours refuse to accept the handicaps imposed by equipment losses and breakdowns, again caused by extreme adverse conditions totally outside of their control, and instead find ways and fixes in order to restore service way in advance of what might reasonably be expected.  And yet other colleagues who, never satisfied with leaving things well enough alone, constantly take our best products and make them better.  None of these are things that a person would do for the money; indeed, there is often no added compensation or reward involved in these deeds.  If at all, there is only added risk to safety.  In the telling of these stories, we often find that the reasons our colleagues do the extraordinary things they do, are their love of what they do, their love for their companies, their genuine loyalty and affection for their customers, and the pride that they take in being better than anyone else at what they do.  In their stories, business excellence ceases to be dispassionate.  Instead, it becomes exciting, passionate and inspiring.  Take a quiet, stolen look at the colleagues to your right and left…it is probably their stories that are being told in the nominations.

During this year’s LAA cycle, we received an unprecedented number of nominations, a total of 50!  The most we had ever received in the past was 40.  And it was not a matter of quantity over quality either.  This year, we had probably the most senior, in terms of rank and experience, group of screeners that we have ever had, and even they had difficulty trimming the number of nominations to a manageable number of semi-finalists.  Hence, we had more semi-finalists that we have ever had before by a big margin, a total of 22.  I am told that during the initial screening deliberations, there were initially as many as 30 nominations that were considered as semi-finalist material.

There is one other feature unique to the 2013-2014 LAA cycle.  We decided to create a separate, special award to recognize the many heroic and extraordinary actions and initiatives that followed in the aftermath of Yolanda.  We felt that the many heroic actions and initiatives in response to the devastation caused by Yolanda to our businesses and host communities would have overwhelmed the Lopez Achievement Awards.  At the same time, it is but proper that we recognize and honor the uniquely meritorious response of our companies and colleagues to that unprecedented natural calamity.  Hence, the Yolanda citations for leadership and heroism.

One of the principal reasons the Lopez Family came into prominence in Iloilo was because of the unique response by one of our ancestors, the first Eugenio, to a severe famine that beset Iloilo in 1878, due the failure of the rice crop from drought and locust infestation.  Eugenio took it upon himself to lead a relief operation during which he and a brother dipped into the family coffers, and even reportedly sold one of their haciendas, in order to distribute rice and money to the countless famine victims who came to them for assistance. 

Mobilizing resources to assist victims in times of crisis is a tradition that seems to have become ingrained in our family DNA and in the DNA of the Lopez companies.  I remember, almost as if it were only yesterday, how my father himself would lead Meralco’s response to some of the devastating typhoons that hit the country during the 1960’s and early 1970’s, like Dading, Trining and Yoling.  He would be out patrolling the franchise area from dawn to dusk, seeing to it that downed electric lines were being restored, but more important, seeing to it that the Meralco linemen and leadmen doing the work were well supported.  It was important that they saw and could take heart from the fact that their leader was right beside them in the thick of action.  These same scenes were re-enacted at Meralco during the late 1980’s and throughout the tenure of my brother Manolo as its President, and then again, across all our businesses every time a crisis or natural disaster has occurred. 

Yolanda was no exception.  In the immediate aftermath of Yolanda which directly hit many of our geothermal installations in Leyte, Piki and his crisis team took immediate and decisive action to ensure the safety of our people, their re-supply, and the commencement of repairs to our facilities.  But beyond that, they were forced to assume de-facto leadership of the re-supply and rehabilitation of our host communities in Leyte, in conjunction with the local government units.  Under Gabby and Carlo’s leadership, ABS-CBN and Sky were among the first to reach the areas devastated by Yolanda and to begin reporting to the rest of the Philippines and to the rest of the world on what had taken place in those areas.   In the same way that it had come to be the focal point of relief and re-supply during Ondoy, Sendong and Pablo during the past several years, Sagip Kapamilya again took the lead in mobilizing the re-supply of Leyte.

I don’t need to dramatize what happened less than a year ago when Yolanda came and went.  The citations tell a better, more complete, story.  It is, I think, enough, and it tremendously warms my heart, that we can, today, share our recollections of what took place and feel grateful for one another.  It was, for those whom we honor this afternoon with citations, a shining moment.  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.

So again, congratulations to all of you – the winners, the nominees, and the many who should also have been nominated, who might also have won, but who, for one reason or other, have passed unrecognized.  To me, you are all heroes and I am proud to walk among you. Keep up the good work.  I said it last year and I’ll say it again:  there is still so much for us to do, and so little time, to build a better future for all Filipinos.  Thank you.

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Archive

  • ► 2022
    • ► December
      • • Let’s help one another heal
      • • Building a resilient Philippines
      • • Our hope this Christmas
      • • Remembrance, reflection, gratitude
  • ► 2021
    • ► December
      • • Honoring the reason for Christmas
      • • Prosperity for all
      • • A time of cheer
      • • Making Christmas memorable
  • ► 2020
    • ► December
      • • Humanity at its finest
      • • Moving forward in a new world
      • • Hope for better days
      • • Stewardship and fidelity
  • ► 2019
    • ► December
      • • The truest treasure
      • • Continuing our great work
      • • The gift of life
      • • Seeking peace
      • • Perfectly united
  • ► 2018
    • ► December
      • • Let’s help keep the lights on
      • • Family is our place of love
      • • Spreading Christmas cheer
      • • Renewing family ties
    • ► March
      • • Keeping the lights on in the transition to an all-renewable future
  • ► 2017
    • ► December
      • • Together we have stepped up
      • • A year of rebirth and gratitude
      • • Looking forward, looking back
  • ► 2016
    • ► December
      • • Choosing to be powered by good
      • • Our mission remains the same
      • • Remember God’s love
      • • Changing with the changing times
      • • Each Christmas is a new opportunity
    • ► June
      • • Keynote Remarks of First Philippine Holdings chairman and CEO Federico R. Lopez at the 3rd Annual Summit of the Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines on June 17, 2016
      • • Keynote Remarks of Lopez Holdings chairman emeritus Oscar M. Lopez at the 3rd Annual Summit of the Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines on June 17, 2016
  • ► 2015
    • ► December
      • • Continue to push the boundaries
      • • We cannot lose hope in the Filipino
      • • Let us count our blessings every day
      • • Thank you for a remarkable year
      • • The wonders of Christmas
    • ► October
      • • Remarks of Chairman Emeritus Oscar M. Lopez, on the Lopez Achievement Awards 2014 held at Studio 10, ABS-CBN Compound on October 15, 2015
      • • Remarks of Federico R. Lopez at the 2014 Lopez Achievement Awards Ceremony held at ABSCBN Studio 10 on October 15, 2015
    • ► July
      • • For love of country, we are prepared to take action to make it better
    • ► May
      • • Remarks of Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez, Chairman and CEO of Lopez Holdings Corporation, at the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held at Power Plant Mall Cinema, Rockwell Center, Makati City
      • • Remarks of Federico R. Lopez, Chairman and CEO, at First Gen Annual Stockholders Meeting on May 13, 2015
      • • Remarks of Federico R. Lopez at the Annual Stockholders' Meeting of Energy Development Corporation on May 5, 2015
      • • Oscar M. Lopez: even at 85, there are worlds left to conquer
    • ► April
      • • The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name
      • • Oscar M. Lopez on Longevity and Success
    • ► March
      • • Remarks of Lopez Group Chairman Emeritus Oscar M. Lopez at the 2012 Commencement Exercises of the University of the Philippines and Conferment of the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa
    • ► February
      • • Excellence is a Habit
    • ► January
      • • Towards A New Year of Promise
  • ► 2014
    • ► December
      • • Christmas is a time for gratitude
      • • Christmas message from Eugenio Lopez III
      • • Christmas message from Federico R. Lopez III
      • • Christmas message from Presentacion L. Psinakis
      • • Christmas message from Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez
      • • Christmas message from Oscar M. Lopez
    • ► October
      • • The Parley between Lopez and Marcos
      • • Why Choose Philippines?
      • • When War Escalates to Devastating Results
      • • The Inevitable Decline: Did Marcos Finally Go Too Far?
      • • Mayhem in Malacañang: Find Out What Caused Eñing’s Massive Fit
      • • The Yolanda Hero and the Unsung Hero
    • ► September
      • • Igniting the fallout: The unbelievable tactic President Marcos enforced
      • • Inspirational Remarks by Lopez Group Chairman Emeritus Oscar M. Lopez on the occasion of the Lopez Achievement Awards Ceremonies held at ABS-CBN Studio 10 on September 24, 2014
      • • A fork in the road: When two brilliant forces arrive at a point of dissent
      • • Discover what happened when a national problem took a turn for the worst
      • • Guess who came to the Nationalista victory party
      • • Don Eñing fights his greatest battle
    • ► August
      • • Remembering Ninoy this August 21
    • ► July
      • • CSR Challenges to Corporations
      • • Lessons from Typhoon Yolanda
      • • The exciting conclusion to the most epic chapter of the 100-year history of the Lopez Group (page 8)
      • • Lopez Values: a powerful rival makes an unforeseen move
      • • Remarks of Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez, Lopez Group Chairman at the Lopez Service Awards Night on July 2, 2014
      • • Just as Macapagal goes in for the kill, the chink in his armor is revealed
    • ► June
      • • From Bridges to Betrayal: the Lopez-Macapagal battle takes on another surprising twist
      • • Just When Macapagal Thought Victory Was His For The Taking…A Surprise Move from the Lopez Camp!
      • • Celebrating the Filipino Identity
      • • Chaos Warfare: Find out what brilliant tactic Don Eñing used to beat Macapagal at his own game
      • • Don Eñing lost BISCOM to Macapagal but What He Did Next Will Amaze You
    • ► May
      • • Defeating the Enemy with the Power of Unity and Trust
      • • Let’s celebrate something GOOD!
    • ► April
      • • The Start of an Alliance. Read page 8 of Underestimated webcomics
      • • Summer Break
    • ► March
      • • Facing a New Vendetta: Page 7 of Underestimated Webcomics
      • • A Bitter Demise: Page 6 of Underestimated Webcomics
      • • An Iroclad Approach: Page 5 of Underestimated Webcomics
      • • The adversary strikes back. Read page 4 of Underestimated webcomics
      • • Heritage and Love of Country
      • • What happens to Montilla in the Battle of Biscom?: Page 3 of Underestimated Webcomics
    • ► February
      • • How far have we come since EDSA 86 People Power?
      • • Outsmarting the Foe: Page 2 of Underestimated Webcomics
      • • Hope for the Laborers’ Plight: Page 1 of Underestimated Web Comics
    • ► January
      • • Resilient and Unsinkable: Why the Lopez Spirit Is Never Underestimated
  • ► 2013
    • ► December
      • • This season, Selflessness is more than possible
    • ► September
      • • To Fly and Fly Again comic series
      • • A Letter from Oscar M. Lopez
    • ► July
      • • Eugenio at Heart series
      • • A Lifetime of Excellence
    • ► June
      • • Independence and Nationalistic Pride
    • ► May
      • • Happy Mothers’ Day to everyone
    • ► March
      • • Pope Francis of the Poor and Lent
    • ► February
      • • Remembering the Spirit of EDSA
      • • Chinese New Year
  • ► 2012
    • ► December
      • • The Hope for Unity: The Winning Entries to the “What Do You Want This Christmas” Lopez Values Stars Facebook Contest
    • ► November
      • • What do you want this Christmas?
    • ► October
      • • LAA: Setting Ourselves Apart
      • • EDC and Claudio Bravo
      • • OML on Senator Juan Ponce Enrile’s Memoir
    • ► September
      • • In Pursuit of Education and Social Justice
    • ► July
      • • It’s Good to Go Green!
    • ► June
      • • Winners of the Nationalism Essay Contest
      • • Nationalism in the Workplace
      • • Nationalism and the Lopez Group Employee
      • • How can we express nationalism in our everyday work?
      • • Ang Pagiging Makabayan
      • • We now have our own Facebook page!
      • • Back-to-school this June
    • ► May
      • • Ready, Set, Succeed: OML’s Take on Life
    • ► April
      • • It’s More Fun to Choose Philippines
    • ► March
      • • How can we express our nationalism today in our everyday work?
    • ► February
      • • Dragon Energy
  • ► 2011
    • ► December
      • • This Season is the Best Time to Give Thanks
    • ► November
      • • A Whole New World
      • • Giving Voice to Lopez Values
    • ► October
      • • Serving the Kapamilya
    • ► September
      • • Social Responsibility
    • ► July
      • • Eugenio Lopez on his 110th Birth Anniversary
    • ► June
      • • Rizal the Sportsman and our Palaro
      • • It Is Never Too Late To Try Something New
    • ► May
      • • Giving Back
    • ► April
      • • Why Do I Climb Mountains?
      • • Lent at 81
      • • Creating Trust
      • • Getting Ready for the Big One
    • ► March
      • • Aligning the Values
      • • Unity in Tragedy
      • • Remembering the “Ides of March”
      • • Our Values Unite Us
    • ► February
      • • Love for Country
      • • Eyes on the Prize
      • • Happy Valentine’s, Kapamilya!
      • • Kung Hei Fat Choi!
    • ► January
      • • Are You A Lopez Values Superstar?
      • • Happy New Year, Kapamilya!
  • ► 2010
    • ► December
      • • Happy Holidays!
  • ► 0000
    • ►
      • • To survive and not despair

Web Comics

Enemy of My Enemy (Part 2)
Enemy of My Enemy (Part 2)
Enemy of My Enemy (Part 1)
Enemy of My Enemy (Part 1)
Underestimated
Underestimated
To Fly and Fly Again
To Fly and Fly Again

Under Estimated

 

Man in the Frame

 

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