US Ambassador Kristie Kenney graces the Western Wats Family Welfare Program launching

Western Wats Philippines, Inc. (WWPI) welcomed US Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency Hon. Kristie Kenney with the launching of WWPI’s Family Welfare Program at their facility in MEZ 2 last October 4. This is one of WWPI’s Corporate Social Responsibility on the Family Welfare Program in compliance with the Article 134 of the Philippine Labor Code and DOLE D.O. 56-03.

The ceremony commenced with Mr. Tony San Gabriel, WWPI President, delivering his welcome remarks. Mr. San Gabriel expressed his admiration for the Ambassadress calling her “an icon of our time” thus, quoting her as “well-known and well-loved.” In his speech, he reiterated his gratitude saying, “We are speechless to say the least, that in spite of her busy schedule and with all the many luminaries who desire for her time, she had opted to be with us.”

Liz Tagimacruz, D.M., WWPI HR Director, then discussed the rationale of the company’s Family Welfare Program. In her speech, she acknowledged the company’s multi-sectoral partnership, with the USAID, PRISM (Private Sector Mobilization, Inc.) and Maxicare. These entitles work hand in hand with WWPI for the implementation of the said Family Welfare Program.

The ceremonial launching of WWPI’s Family Welfare Info Portal (www.westernwats.ph/watshealthquarters) then took place. The Ambassadress was the very first person to log in the site and access the information database. She was assisted by the company’s Professional Service Director, Mr. Ben Worthington. The info portal is an online information system that provides the company’s employees with information about responsible parenthood, maternal and child health and family welfare.

In response, Her Excellency, Ambassador Kenney then delivered a short message saying, “I’m basically pleased to be partnering on something that I think will increase the health and the welfare of the talented people who work here, the very people who are making a name for this company throughout the United States and the Philippines. I thank you all for joining us. We’re very pleased, on behalf of the US government and the USAID, to be your partner in making healthcare available and accessible through the incredible use of a friendly format, and truly one that fits your employees extremely well because they are all computer savvy.” She also thanked and congratulated WWPI for giving importance to its employees’ needs through the use of the friendly and interactive online info portal. Following her message, the Ambassadress gave out pins structured as US and Philippines flags united to everyone in the ceremony.

The VIPs who were present in the event were Dir. Elias Cayanong, Regional Director, DOLE Region VII; Mr. Lilia Estillore, Chief, Labor Relations Division, DOLE Region VII; and Ms. Nancy Abad, Liason Officer, Family Welfare Program, DOLE Region VII. To add the list were Engr. Dahlia Luna, Zone Manager, Mactan Economic Zone II; The members of MEPZCEM Chamber, Inc.; Mr. Eduardo Pebenito, Operations Manager, Aboitizland; Atty. Rose Liza Osorio, Executive Director, Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation, Inc. (CCEF); Ms. Malou Gallarde, Project Coordinator and Ms. Analee Patindol, Project Officer of the CCEF. Also joining the event were Ms. Corette Blanco, Sales Manager for Visayas and Mindanao, Maxicare Healthcare Corp.; and Ms. Charito Redoblado, Project Development Specialist, USAID. From PRISM were Mr. Tennyson “Don” Levy, Chief of Party; Ms. Emma Magsino and Mr. Boyet Chantengco, both Regional Operations Directors. Ms. Riza Lyn Ocampo, WWPI Finance Director and Mr. Steve Scott, WWPI Operations Director were also there.

The Ambassador’s entourage was composed of Mark Caudill, Consular Officer and Karen Schinnerer, Assistant Information Officer.