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Unioil Petroleum Philippines’ Head of Human Resources is urging HR teams to embrace AI, data and business thinking while keeping purpose, growth, and the human experience at the centre of work.
“When people win, the organisation wins.” For Al John Catacutan (pictured above), Head of Human Resources, Unioil Petroleum Philippines, this belief captures what makes HR meaningful. Some of his best days at work come from seeing people grow, whether through a promotion, a leader becoming more effective, or an employee feeling heard and valued.
Catacutan’s own route into HR was not a conventional one. After graduating in Hotel and Restaurant Management, he began his career in hospitality before moving into HR. The experience taught him that, regardless of industry, success comes down to creating exceptional experiences for people. Today, this perspective shapes his approach to employee engagement.
In this interview with Mary Ann Bundukin, ahead of his session at Transform Talent Philippines 2026, the leader shares why HR leaders should stop waiting for the future and start building it, from embracing AI and data-driven decision-making to thinking like business leaders without losing the human side of human resources.
Read full interview below.
Q What does a great day at work look like for you, and how does it remind you why you love HR?
A great day at work is when I see people grow, whether it's someone getting promoted, a leader becoming more effective, or an employee feeling heard and valued. I love HR because it's one of the few functions that can genuinely change people's careers and lives while helping the business succeed.
When people win, the organisation wins.
Q What is one strategy you've found most effective in keeping employees engaged and committed?
Create a workplace where people find meaning in what they do. Compensation matters, but employees stay when they have a clear purpose, opportunities to grow, leaders they trust, and a culture where they feel valued. Engagement isn't built through events, it's built through everyday experiences.
Q In three words, how would you describe your leadership philosophy?
Empower. Challenge. Inspire.
I believe in empowering people with trust, challenging them to reach their potential, and inspiring them through purpose and example.
Q Could you tell us one thing about you that people might be surprised to know?
People are often surprised to learn that I graduated in Hotel and Restaurant Management and started my career in hospitality before moving into HR. That experience taught me that no matter the industry, success always comes down to one thing, creating exceptional experiences for people.
Q As a speaker at #TransformTalentPH, what is the #1 call to action you hope for attendees to take away from your session?
Stop waiting for the future of HR to arrive, build it. Embrace AI, use data to drive decisions, think like a business leader, and never lose the human side of human resources.
"The HR leaders who will thrive are those who can balance technology with empathy and strategy with people."
I want to attend the conference: If you're keen to attend this closed-door conference, kindly register your interest here. For speaking opportunities, please write in to Mary Ann Bundukin. We look forward to welcoming you!
I want to sponsor: Engage in meaningful dialogue through dedicated speaking slots, roundtable discussions, and at your booths! If your organisation provides any talent solutions and products that you'd like to showcase, you’ll fit right into this event. To learn how you can sponsor, please reach out to a member of our team now!
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