Out of the 2013 Zamboanga seige, a Globe “heroine” rises

The siege of Zamboanga City in September 2013 claimed the lives of hundreds and made hundreds of many thousands others homeless as battling in between Muslim rebels and government soldiers levelled seaside communities of the beleaguered city.

Rather than looking for the safety and comforts of her home for the whole period of the dilemma, Glenda Atilano, retail manager of Globe shop in Zamboanga, rose over her stress and anxieties and supplied a lot greater than exactly what was expected of her-- saving the lives of fellow Zamboanguenos.

For her worthy and selfless and generous efforts and initiatives throughout the crisis, Glenda was just recently selected as Globe Employee of the Year at the recent Globe Excellence Awards held at Shangri la Hotel in Mandaluyong. “It was totally unexpected. I was just doing things that I thought would best help our customers,” said Atilano. 

Globe Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala (left) and Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu (right) congratulate Glenda Atilano, retail manager of Globe store in Zamboanga, who was adjudged Globe Employee of the Year. Her 10-year old daughter Tara joined her on stage.

The siege, which paralyzed business operations and activities in the city, didn’t stop Atilano from sharing what she could despite the dangers involved. She personally organized and facilitated food assistance for communities adversely affected by the conflict, enabling her and her team to distribute relief food packages to Red Cross and to the Armed Forces, benefitting 4,000 individuals. Atilano further organized Brigada Eskwela program, involving distribution of school supplies to schoolchildren in war-torn areas, as well as a clean-up drive program for the benefit of those who were displaced by the conflict.

 “Glenda has done something outstanding beyond the call of duty during the siege of Zamboanga. Her example will surely inspire many into going the extra mile to serve our customers in the best way possible,” Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu said.  He noted that Atilano’s commitment to service by reaching out to Globe customers in a personal way enabled her to be relevant to them even in moments of dire need.

Atilano 43, has consistently steered her team to excellence, surpassing her team’s sales target last year despite the siege’s adverse impact on the local economy. She joined Globe in 1995, after she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Communications degree from the Ateneo de Zamboanga University. 

Aside from Atilano, the following were recognized as group employees of the year: Cindy Toh, Core Business Group; Jose Carlos Valenzuela, Office of the Chief of Operating Advisor;  Shiela May Sumilhig-Juco, International Business Group; Cyril Parrenas, Enterprise Group; Ricardo Lopez, Small and Medium Business Group; Jeffrey Echaluse, Network Technical Group; Restituto Garcia, Network Technical Group;  Michelle Rodriguez, Information Security Group; Lorie Ambagan, Human Resource; Jonathan Villeta, Finance; Connie Yu, Officer of Strategic Management; and Fernando Esguerra, Corporate Communications.

Other awardees include Albert Tinio (Consumer Sales, Core Business Group), Excellence in Leadership Award; Karla Inigo Yuipco (Stores Operations, Core Business Group), Excellence in Leadership Award, Cyril Parrenas, (Enterprise Group), Outstanding Achievement in Innovation, individual; Mark Anthony Latoja,( Core Business Group), Outstanding Achievement in Wonderful Customer Service, individual; Team Cappucino (Globe Prepaid), Outstanding Achievement in Innovation, team category; and Network Operations Division Mindanao, Outstanding Achievement in Wonderful Customer Service, team Category.  Other finalists for Excellence in Leadership category were Ma. Corazon Martin, Jerome Jacobo Datu and Winsley Bangit.

Held annually, the Globe Excellence Awards recognize top achievers across ranks, positions, functions in the organization nominated by colleagues who recognize and celebrate the success of others. Awardees were selected by a panel of leaders. The annual Awards honor employees who consistently demonstrate excellence in performance and service commitment.