Driven by Success: UnionBankers’ Career Stories (2019)
UnionBankers aren’t your typical banker. What sets us apart is our consistency to uphold Magis by improving our work; Integrity, by being fair and accountable at all times, and having the Ubuntu spirit that motivates us to communicate and collaborate more clearly and effectively.
Here are some of the stories from outstanding UnionBankers who continue to embody UnionBank’s D.N.A. to this day.
Meet Rachelle, S.S.A. turned Line Engineer & Architect Officer. She started her career back in 2006 as a Sales and Service Assistant. She worked her way up to become the Sales and Services Officer, made a big leap to become the Branch Manager, and eventually proved her skillsets and knowledge by volunteering to become part of a System Migration project in 2015.
After the Project, she was transferred to UB’s K.I.S.S. Department (Kris Integrated Standard Support), which handles various technical needs of the Bank’s branches.
Despite her successful career, Rachelle excelled and proved that she deserves another promotion once again.
As a Line Engineer and Architect, Rachelle became an integral part of the Bank’s digital transformation by changing manual processes and converting them to more efficient automation.
“What I like about UnionBank is it opened a lot of opportunities to their employees.”
– Rachelle Alcantara
Despite her achievements, Rachelle believed that someone’s position in the Bank does not define success despite her achievements. She promotes the importance of communication, grabbing opportunities, and loving your work.
Jenny, who started off as one of the first SSA (Sales Service Assistant) in UnionBank used her bilingual skills to work in the Binondo Region. She became a Branch Manager in 2012, and from there she excelled as an ambassador of UnionBank to various customers.
“Hindi naman nila ibibigay yung isang bagay sa’yo na hindi mo kaya. They believe in you so you have to believe in yourself.”
– Jenny Marzo
Throughout the years as a UnionBanker, Jenny learned that in order to grow, having the right attitude and conduct towards your co-workers and clients goes a long way. Skills and knowledge can be learned, but practicing Ubuntu at work can equate to more success.
Joining UnionBank in 2017, Nix leads started her career as a UnionBanker at a young age, but that doesn’t mean that she lacks the capability. Nix entered as a Senior Product Manager under the FinTech Business Group. She also leads a team that embarks on projects that accelerate financial inclusion in the Philippines. Nix loved that UnionBank equipped her with knowledge and cared for her chosen career path.
“The bank gives us opportunity to embrace the culture of innovation. Brining our best ideas into mind and it’s not ever taken for granted.”
– Nix Syjuco
Lois became a UnionBanker in 2017 as a Sales Service Assistant. When She was tapped to be part of the Branch 2.0 Ambassador Training, little did she know that the same training would prepare her to be one of the pioneers her region’s The Ark – UnionBank’s fully digital branch.
“I love the culture of UnionBank. We were open to changes and we are encouraged to challenge conventions. I also like the pasionate people that I work with.”
– Lois Palon
Starting out as a consultant for the bank, Sasa worked her way up to become a UnionBanker. With her passion and expertise in data protection, Sasa and her team enabled digital transformation while ensuring that every product and service that we launch protects and safeguards the privacy and security of both our stakeholders and employees.
“It’s really that agile culture that’s very interesting and what drives us to go here every morning.”
– Sasa Montes
“Our SEVP-Chief Technology & Transformation Officer and Chief Operations Officer, Henry Aguda, came with a telecom industry background. As a career-shifter and a non-banker, he adapted to become an integral part of UnionBank’s successful digital transformation. What sets Henry apart from other tech experts and visionaries is that he embodies the spirit of Ubuntu wherein “no one gets left behind.”
“I love the people in UnionBank, I love the UnionBankers because people are warm and it’s also refreshing that everybody has this ubuntu spirit where they come together, regardless of reporting lines, regardless of levels and they just do something meaningful together.”
– Henry Aguda
Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. Mack was once caught in a job where it requires him to travel a lot. Not wanting to miss out on his loved ones’ moments, he seized the opportunity to work locally for UnionBank.
As part of the Bank’s Testing Center for Excellence, Mack’s leadership paved the way for upskilling and retooling of UnionBankers and pave a new career path for them.
“Do not be afraid to explore new challenges because, along the way, you will always have the support and guidance of your leaders.”
– Mack Manaois
Dave started his career in UnionBank as a teller. He later became a branch manager and worked diligently in sales and even HR. He is currently the Talent Capability Manager.
He takes pride in teaching both UnionBankers and its stakeholders, proving that his “can do” attitude and acceptance of constant change can lead to a successful career.
“What I love most about my work in UnionBank is the sense of fulfillment that I get every time I am able to help a UnionBanker learn a new skill or capability.”
– Dave Halili
A UnionBanker for over 15 years, Engelbert Pangilinan started as a Sales Service Assistant. The once shy SSA heeded the advice of his mentors and seized the opportunity to become the Branch Manager of UnionBank Sto. Domingo Branch.
“Be proactive, be open to constructive criticism and be positive no matter what situation you are in.”
– Engelbert Pangilinan
Zheanne is one of our young leaders in the Bank. She’s one of the Product Owners of the award-winning HR app, 1UHub. She leads a team of app developers to continuously enhance and add features to 1UHub that will help automate HR and Talent Acquisition processes.