Citi Philippines presents first Distinguished Alumni Award

MANILA, Philippines - Citi Philippines recently hosted its Alumni Network Event, dubbed “Once Citi, Always Citi,” at the New World Hotel in Makati. Over a hundred Citi alumni and guests came together to celebrate their time at Citi and recognize the first Citi Distinguished Alumni award.

CEO for the Philippines Batara Sianturi welcomed the guests and related the latest achievements and developments of the Philippine franchise. In the wake of super typhoon Haiyan, Sianturi shared the various initiatives across Citi to aid the ongoing relief efforts. “The bayanihan spirit of the Filipinos,” he said, “shines through even in these most difficult times.”

Despite the devastation from the typhoon, there was some good news to be shared about Citi Philippines. The year “2013 was a record year for the franchise in terms of awards and recognitions received. We were privileged to be at the receiving end of citations and trophies from global, regional and national institutions — commending our franchise, our businesses and also the work we do with our community partners,” added Sianturi.

This year’s event was made even more special with the awarding of the Citi Distinguished Alumni for 2013, where Citi Philippines celebrated its first alumni awardee: Gerry Ablaza, president and CEO of Manila Water. Gerry is one of only 40 alumni awardees from across Citi businesses around the world. The prestigious award is given to those recognized for their outstanding leadership in Network Development, Leadership & Ingenuity, or Community Involvement.

Gerry was awarded for his leadership and ingenuity. After a successful 15-year career at Citi, he managed to reinvent himself and head various industry leading companies in telecommunications, banking, investments, and now, in utility services.

Culminating the event, Sianturi, together with the Country Management Team, offered a toast to all Citi Alumni, thanking them for their partnership. “There is no better way to say it than ‘Once Citi, Always Citi,’” he concluded.