Philippines SEC named among world’s best employers

MANILA, Philippines — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been named one of the world’s best employers by international standard-setting organization Investors in People (IiP).

The SEC was given the Overseas Employer of the Year Award by the London-based IiP in recognition of the commission’s commitment to the growth and well-being of its employees through capacity-building programs, effective employee communication, and advancements in human resource management practices.

“We are honored to be named the Overseas Employer of the Year in the IiP Awards 2024, as this recognition serves as another testament to the steadfast commitment of the commission in upholding the highest standards in ensuring the welfare of our employees,” SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino said.

Aquino said that under the commission’s SuperVision 2028, the regulator seeks to transform the Philippine corporate sector and capital market into one of the best in Southeast Asia.

“However, we cannot achieve this without investing in our most valuable asset – our people – to make sure that they have the right skills and mindset and a positive and nurturing environment where they can thrive and best provide our stakeholders with top-notch services,” he said.

The IiP Awards recognize global enterprises and small businesses for their commitment to improving workplace well-being, promoting growth and nurturing an environment for employees to thrive.

It also recognizes best practices in specific categories such as apprenticeship programs, culture, use of technology, diversity, and inclusion, as well as leadership and management, among others.

“Winning this award encourages us to strive for even greater heights and continue to invest in our people,”  SEC commissioner Javey Paul Francisco said.

“As the only Philippine national government agency recognized in this year’s awards, it is our hope that other agencies will follow our lead in putting their people first,” he said.

Last February, the SEC secured accreditation from IiP after demonstrating high-standard practices in promoting employees’ welfare, making the commission the first in the government financial sector and the third national government agency to receive such accreditation for people management.

IiP Philippines likewise conferred the People Investor of the Year-Special Citation Award to the SEC last September for fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for its employees.

The SEC has recognized its workforce as a key contributor to the transformation of its services, making the transactions with the commission more efficient.

In the next three years, the commission said it is committed to continuously hiring the best and the brightest, as well as improving its HR management practices through digitalization, sustainability, communication, and learning development initiatives.

The SEC said that receiving the Overseas Employer of the Year Award further inspires the agency to strengthen its commitment to workplace well-being.