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Marie Antonette Valenzuela, Head of Human Resources, ING Hubs Philippines, shares: "The business case is simple: when people feel valued and equipped to grow, they fuel innovation and resilience. That’s how we build tomorrow’s ING."
For ING Hubs Philippines, its people drive everything. Through great passion for diversity, equity and inclusion, daily acts of care and courage are what fuel the team to go beyond support, but to create lasting transformation, building tomorrow's ING.
Rooted in purpose and powered by people, the team’s HR strategy earned it recognition for the following categories at the HR Excellence Awards 2025, Philippines:
- Silver for 'Excellence in Workforce Mobility'
- Gold for 'Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion'
Fresh off the wins, HRO catches up with Marie Antonette Valenzuela, Head of Human Resources, ING Hubs Philippines, to uncover how her team transformed diverse voices into a unified strategy — one that fostered a culture where every employee feels seen, heard, and truly valued.
Q What was the motivation that sparked your passion & business case for pursuing your outstanding people strategy?
People drive everything. Our passion grew from everyday acts of care and courage — moments that showed the power of inclusion. We knew our strategy had to go beyond support; it had to transform. Aligned with ING’s ambition to be a global talent marketplace, we embedded diversity, inclusion, and belonging (DIB) into our journey to empower individuals and shape a future-ready workforce.
The business case is simple: when people feel valued and equipped to grow, they fuel innovation and resilience. That’s how we build tomorrow’s ING.
Q Looking back, can you share a challenge that you overcame in your journey of HR excellence? How did you triumph?
Turning diverse voices into one cohesive strategy. We overcame it by listening deeply through employee programs and co-creating with our people networks. At ING, "Do Your Thing" empowers our people to lead with passion — and that’s our greatest strength. By embedding DIB into leadership, talent processes, and daily conversations, we moved from isolated efforts to a culture of belonging where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
Q Beyond the recognition, what impact do you hope your feature in the HR Excellence Awards would have on the HR community and manpower landscape?
We hope to inspire HR leaders to see people strategies as enablers of human connection, not just policies. Our journey, shaped by real employee stories, shows the power of listening and co-creation.
If this sparks others to build inclusive cultures with empathy, the impact will go far beyond awards.
Q Could you share some advice you would give to others aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
Listen to understand, not just respond. Create safe spaces for honesty and tough questions. Partner with people networks to co-create solutions that matter.
"Differences aren’t barriers — they’re opportunities for impact."
Q Let's talk inspiration! Who has been a driving force behind your success?
Our people. From network groups going the extra mile to employees supporting each other through challenges, their care and commitment drive us forward. These shared moments of empathy and action power our progress.
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices - head over to our Winning Secrets section!
Photos: Provided
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