On Monday, 10 June 2024, the Ateneo Graduate School of Business (AGSB) Center for Continuing Education held the Project Presentation & Culminating Activity for the Leadership Management Development Program (LMDP) it conducted for Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc (RRHI). The event saw learning teams from RRHI present the results of their projects as well as receive their diplomas from the LMDP.
The teams were composed of leaders and staff from different business units and brands of RRHI. Each looked at issues within specific units, such as Uncle John's, Toys 'R Us, Robinson's Supermarkets, and even corporate accounts.
The projects were presented to a panel composed of various heads from both AGSB and RRHI.
Following the presentation, the culminating activity proper began with with remarks from Mr Gabriel D Tagala III, Vice President - Human Resources at RRHI.
Mr Gabriel D Tagala III, Vice President - Human Resources at Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc
"There is almost no limit to the potential of an organization that recruits good people, raises them up as leaders, and continually develops them," Mr Tagala said in his opening statement.
Mr Tagala was followed by Dr Jowett Cecilio F Magsaysay, AGSB Dean and LMDP Director, who gave a recap of the LMDP journey – the first of its kind for RRHI.
"From the start, it was impressed upon us that innovation would be key in your program," Dean Magsaysay noted. "Retail has gone through several revolutions in the past few years. In fact, it's not even correct to say it changed during the pandemic. The pandemic just accelerated a lot of change that was already in place in retail for the longest time."
Dr Jowett F Magsaysay, Dean of the Ateneo Graduate School of Business
"The way we define strategy, or what we define strategy is 'how to change faster inside than they change outside,'" he added. "Does the world outside your retail industry change? How do you keep on changing? So thanks for showing us your enthusiasm for that."
Following Dean Magsaysay's recap, Mr Stanley C Co, Chief Operating Officer of RRHI; and Ms Robina Y Gokongwei-Pe, President and Chief Executive Officer of RRHI, came on stage to deliver their congratulatory messages.
In his address, Mr Co reflected on his own experiences with attending many development programs over the years.
Mr Stanley Co, COO Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc
"When I look back, I realize what I've learned, that each of the learning experiences enriched my perspective, and equipped me with the tools to navigate the complexities of our roles," Mr Co stated. "It reinforced the idea that continuous learning and personal development are crucial to the success of our leaders."
Meanwhile, Ms Gokongei-Pe applauded the participants in the program for the grit they showed studying under it while also working at their jobs.
Ms Robina Y Gokongwei-Pe, President and CEO of Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc
"To our participants, thank you for stepping up and committing to this journey," said Ms Gokongwei-Pe. "Over the past months, you have juggled work responsibilities, personal commitments, and this intensive program, with a lot of resilience."
"You've shown up, put in the hours, and pushed through with challenges without complaints, or maybe you have but kept them to yourself," she added. "And as our morning hymn said: 'to toil and not to seek reward.'"
Following the addresses, the participants received their diplomas for completing the LMDP. Presenting the diplomas on stage were Ms Gokongwei-Pe, Dean Magsaysay, Mr Co, and Mr Rodolfo Ang – Ateneo Vice President for Administration who also sits on RRHI's Board of Directors as an Independent Director.
In addition, program awards were also given to those groups and individuals who performed well in the program.
The Best in Action Learning Project was won by the group "Nanay mo, pagod na?" which proposed a smart digital companion to help moms with their grocery shopping. The members of this group were Ms Jennibeth L Chao, Ms Rochelle Lee G Cuello, Mr Anthony Paul W Pasia, Ms Myleene A Magleo, and Ms Jocelyn R Fernandez.
Back row: Dr Jowett Magsaysay, Dean AGSB; Mr Rodolfo Ang; VP for. Administration Ateneo and RRHI Board Member; Ms Robina Gokongwei-Pe, CEO RRHI; Mr Stanley Co, COO RRHI; and Mr Gabriel D Tagala III, VP - Human Resources RRHI.
Front row: Ms Jennibeth L Chao; Ms Rochelle Lee G Cuello; Mr Anthony Paul W Pasia; Ms Myleene A Magleo; and Ms Jocelyn R Fernandez
Meanwhile, the Director's Award for Academic Excellence was given to those who achieved the highest marks during the program. These were Mr Emil C Villanueva, Ms Angela T Totanes, Ms Christine Mabelle Y Sanchez, Ms Marjorie Anne C Gabriola, Ms Marichu C Tapacion, Ms Lystria Felin T Inolino, Mr Paolo Miguel L Molina, Ms Jocelyn R Fernandez, and Mr Anthony Paul W Pasia.