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Living out an organisation's purpose entails aligning everyone’s daily actions, decisions, and values which can be attained by listening to the employees, shares Michael Angelo E. Malicsi, Chief Human Resource Officer.
Workplace culture is often spoken about as a "nice to have". But for UnionDigital Bank, it is a business imperative. Every strategy, initiative, and decision is anchored in a clear purpose: elevating the lives of Filipinos through real financial inclusion. Powering that mission is a workforce that is passionate, driven, and united — prompting the Bank to build not just a strong brand, but a cohesive, engaging, and purpose-led organisation from the inside out.
This passion for purpose has enabled the team to clinch the Gold award for 'Excellence in Workplace Culture' at the HR Excellence Awards 2025, Philippines.
Speaking with HRO, Michael Angelo E. Malicsi, Chief Human Resource Officer, UnionDigital Bank, shares how he hopes to continue cultivating and nurturing the seeds planted in 2024 and continue executing various initiatives to work towards a workplace "where collaboration, creativity, and connection flourish."
Q What was the motivation that sparked your passion & business case for pursuing your outstanding people strategy?
All strategies, initiatives, and endeavours of UnionDigital Bank have been and continue to be anchored on the Bank’s purpose of elevating the lives of Filipinos through real financial inclusion.
Behind UD’s purpose are its people who are passionate, driven, and determined to drive its mission and contribute to its continued growth & stability.
To continuously and effectively support the employees, the impetus remains to ensure that the Bank as an organisation, not only as a brand and business, is cohesive, engaging, and purpose driven.
Q Looking back, can you share a challenge that you overcame in your journey of HR excellence? How did you triumph?
Since the Bank’s establishment in 2023, UD had undergone several leadership and organisational changes. The Bank’s mission remained fervent throughout its 3 years of operations; however, there were apparent gaps in the employees’ connection to its purpose, and the organisation’s culture. These gaps were evidenced by the constant challenges in employee retention and engagement. Since its launch in 2024, ‘One UD’ has been steadily reaching milestones in building strategies and implementing programs for employee productivity, engagement and retention.
In terms of gauging employees’ experience in and perception of workplace culture, UD has seen significant improvement based on the bi-annual Workplace Culture Survey conducted in 2025. The 2025 Employee Engagement score is 4.30 versus 4.13 from the previous survey in 2023. In addition, the response rate for the survey also significantly increased to 96% in 2025 from 53% in 2023.
One UD has made significant positive changes, but it is just the beginning. In 2026, UD will continue with its One UD journey by cultivating and nurturing the seeds planted in 2024 and continue the execution of various programs and initiatives anchored on its signature behaviors, and geared towards a workplace where collaboration, creativity, and connection flourish.
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?
An organisation’s story can never be completely replicated, but it can inspire and influence. One UD’s culture transformation story is deeply rooted in UD’s mission & purpose, and driven by the commitment to continuously support its employees, as the core of any business, so they can align their personal purpose to that of the organisation’s, and thrive in their roles.
Our HREA win aims to tell the story of humble beginnings & big aspirations, coupled with a people-first mindset. We hope that the HR community can draw inspiration on how a young organisation like UD is strengthening its foundation and building its resiliency by undertaking the following:
- Aligning people strategy to the Bank’s mission and aspiration
- Prioritising the Voice of the Employee (VOE)
- Creating meaningful employee experiences
Q Could you share some advice you would give to others aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
All strategies and initiatives must be tied to a purpose. Living out an organisation’s purpose entails aligning everyone’s daily actions, decisions, and values. This alignment can be attained by listening to the employees – knowing their views, sentiments, aspirations and their identified cultural gaps.
"Gaining insights from employees can help an organisation develop more coherent strategies and programs which are co-created, employee-driven, and ready for impactful implementation."
Q Let's talk inspiration! Who has been a driving force behind your success?
There’s no singular force behind the success of any organisation – it takes a village to achieve goals and reach milestones. UnionDigital Bank is fortunate that we are constantly supported and guided by Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV), UnionBank of the Philippines, and UD’s leadership team led by our main visionary and culture champion, Danilo “Bong” J. Mojica II, PhD. All of them have been instrumental in bringing UD to where it is now and continues to guide it closer than ever to its vision.
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices - head over to our Winning Secrets section!
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