DMCI · Hard Hat

VOL 5 The official newsletter

DEC 2015 of the DMCI Group

WHAT’S INSIDE

DM receives
Lifetime Contributor Award

Semirara CSR
gets global nods

A Christmas Selfie
with my Bestie

Executive Q &A
with LCP
1 Hard Hat · DMCI

From the Editor’s Desk

Taking Stock, 3 DM receives Lifetime Contributor Award
Targeting More
4 DMC leads Corporate Governance Workshop
I recently conducted a survey to assess the efficacy of Hard Hat. A
total of 110 respondents participated in the survey. 5 Semirara CSR gets global nods

The results were very encouraging, as the employees gave the

newsletter very high scores (95% to 100%) for aesthetic appeal, 6 Homes issues HomeSaver Bonds

engagement, motivation and usefulness. I am sincerely grateful for the

warm and positive feedback. CONTENTS 7 DMCI signs P2.9B new projects

Some of the respondents also provided interesting suggestions, which

I have plans of adopting. I won’t discuss these changes anymore but 8 DMCI Power mulls RE entry

I will say, though, that big changes are in store for Hard Hat and its
readers next year.

My goal for 2016 is to make our newsletter fresh, educational and

inclusive. In return, I hope for greater employee participation from
across the DMCI group. 9 A Christmas Selfie
with My Bestie
Based on the survey results, our co-employees want to know what

11 with LCP
Executive Q&A
you and your company are doing to make things better for others. Let
us not disappoint them.

Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who has been supportive of

Hard Hat—the Consunji family, company presidents, professional
managers and employees. And to all those who shared their stories and
photos, my heartfelt gratitude for the trust and cooperation.

I wish you and your family a meaningful Christmas and a fulfilling

13 Maynilad gets company-wide ISO

New Year!
14 Semirara Thanks Supporters

Honor Roll: Apollo C. Tiglao

All the best, 15 Never too young to lead
Bim

Cherubim “Bim” Mojica is the Corporate Communications Officer of DMCI Holdings, Inc.
17 On the Radar: Benjie Misajon Jr.
Performing ordinary tasks extraordinarily well

18 Corporate Citizenship:
Volunteering for Environmental Protection

19
Share with the Group! Words of WisDM: On making the right decision

We always welcome contributions from employees. If you know of any

inspiring stories or employees, just email us the basic details (i.e. who, what,
where, when and why) and we’ll take it from there. Our email address is
hardhatnewsletter@gmail.com.
3 Hard Hat · DMCI
NEWS
DM receives Lifetime
Contributor Award
DMCI Holdings, Inc. Founding Chairman David M.
Consunji (“DM”) received the highest honors at this
year’s Asia CEO Awards.
Regarded as the father of contemporary
construction industry in the Philippines, DM
was conferred the Lifetime Contributor Award
for the private sector, in recognition of his
decades-long contribution to nation building.
Ambassador Jose Cuisia Jr., Philippine envoy
to the United States, was awarded the Lifetime
Contributor award for the public sector.
DM is credited for building structures and
landmarks that defined urban skylines and
delivered real benefits to countless Filipinos.
He also served as Department of Public Works
and Highways secretary.
DMCI Holdings Chairman Isidro A.
Consunji (“IAC”) received the prestigious
award during the recognition rites at the
Grand Ballroom of Marriott Hotel in Newport
City.
“More than an individual recognition, the
Lifetime Contributor of the Year Award will
form part of the heritage and legacy of my
father and the companies he established,” said
IAC.
“His accomplishments will continue to
define our heritage, and his legacy shall serve as
our standard and inspiration,” he added.
The Asia CEO Awards is the largest business
awards in the Philippines and one of the largest
of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region.
DMCI · Hard Hat 4
NEWS
DMC leads Corporate
Governance Workshop
DMCI Holdings, Inc. (PSE: DMC) sponsored a Corporate
Governance seminar for the directors and key officers
of the group at the Manila Polo Club. The seminar was
conducted by SGV & Co, the largest multidisciplinary
professional services firm in the Philippines.
With the theme “Creating Advantage
Through Governance”, the whole-day event
focused on the roles, responsibilities, leading
practices and key developments in corporate
governance. An overview of financial
PSE Guidelines
reporting, actual legal cases and corporate
for a “Well Governed” governance case studies were also presented to
Company the participants.
1. Develops and executes a sound business
strategy
2. Establishes a well-structured and
In his opening remarks to the group, DMC
Chief Finance Officer Herbert M.
Consunji thanked the attendees for
functioning board
joining the seminar and encouraged
them to adopt corporate governance
3. Maintains a robust internal audit and
best practices to strengthen their
control system
4. Recognizes and manages enterprise
competitiveness.
risks
He also shared how DMC is working
5. Ensures the integrity of its financial
doubly hard to improve its corporate
reports as well as its external auditing
governance framework and overall rating in
function
the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard.
6. Respects and protects and rights of
its shareholders, particularly those
Leading the seminar was SGV & CO
that belong to the minority or non-
Chief Risk Officer and Risk Services Head
controlling group
Leonardo J. Matignas, Jr., who introduced and
7. Adopts and implements an
repeatedly emphasized the F.A.T. principle to
internationally-accepted disclosure and
transparency regime
the group.
8. Respects and protects the rights and
According to Matignas, good corporate
interests of its employees, community,
governance is about promoting Fairness,
environment and other stakeholders
Accountability and Transparency in the
9. Does not engage in abusive related-
organization. He also shared the Philippine
party transactions and insider trading
Stock Exchange (PSE) Guidelines for a
10. Develops and nurtures a culture of
“Well Governed” Company to steer the
ethics, compliance and enforcement
DMCI subsidiaries towards good corporate
governance.
5 Hard Hat · DMCI DMCI · Hard Hat 6
NEWS

Homes issues
HomeSaver
Bonds
DMCI Homes is issuing up to P1 billion worth of
deferred coupon-paying retail bonds through SB
Capital Investment Corporation. This is the real
NEWS estate company’s first time to issue a SEC-registered
public security.

Semirara CSR Called “DMCI Deferred Coupon- today,” said Ricky Galang, president of SB

gets global nods

Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC) was selected
as a Finalist under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
category of the Platts Global Energy Awards, dubbed as “the
Oscars of the energy industry”.
The CSR program of SMPC focuses on
Education and Training, Environmental
Stewardship, Employment and Livelihood,
Electrification and Basic Infrastructure, and
Emergency Preparedness (“5Es”).
Sustained implementation of the 5Es program
has resulted in high-value employment, reliable
electricity, potable water, well-maintained
schools, better infrastructure and a thriving local
economy for its host community.
From being a 4th class municipality in 2007,
Caluya is now a 1st class municipality with an
average annual income of half a billion pesos.
Royalty payments from SMPC has also allowed
the local government unit to subsidize electricity,
water, education, etc. for the residents.
SMPC also clinched the first runner-up
award in the CSR category of the 2015 ASEAN
Energy Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The
company won for its reef rehabilitation efforts in
Semirara Island.
SMPC’s reef rehabilitation program involved
the spawning and reseeding of endangered giant
clams, through its Marine Hatchery Laboratory.
Reseeded giant clams promote diversity where
they live as they attract corals, fishes and smaller
marine biota. These giant clams also clean their
environment when they sip in seawater for food
and then release clean, clear water back to the
sea.
The ASEAN Energy Awards is Southeast
Asia’s prestigious annual awards program that
recognizes outstanding work for excellence,
creativity, practicality and dedication to a cause
in the field of energy.
Paying HomeSaver Bonds”, the financial
instrument aims to encourage the
middle income segment to save enough
funds to purchase their own real estate
property in the future.
Aside from earning up to 5.0%
interest per annum, the bond may be
used as full or partial downpayment to
purchase units in any DMCI Homes
development.
Bondholders who opt to use the
proceeds from the bonds to purchase a
DMCI Homes property are also entitled
to a special discount.
Investors can choose bond tenures
of three years or five years, depending
on their specific investment objectives.
SB Capital is providing investors the
option to make monthly or a one-time
investment on the bonds. Monthly
payments will be debited from the
investors Security Bank account.
“This bond is one of the most
attractive bond offerings in the country
Capital.
DMCI Homes is issuing the bonds in
three tranches. Tranche A bonds will have
minimum investment of P180,000 and
payable in equal monthly subscription
payments of P5,000 over a period of three
years.
Tranche B bonds will have a minimum
investment of P300,000 and payable in
equal monthly subscription payments
over a period of five years, while tranche
C bonds will be issued one-time with a
minimum investment of P180,000.
Investor support for the bond offering
proved to be very strong, as the first
tranche worth P500 million was already
issued and fully subscribed. The next P500
million will be issued within the first
quarter of 2016.
Proceeds of the bond issuance will be
used by DMCI Homes for working capital
and other general corporate purposes.
7 Hard Hat · DMCI
NEWS
DMCI signs
P2.9B new projects
D.M. Consunji, Inc. (DMCI) was awarded building, power and water
projects worth P2.9 billion during the third quarter, bringing its total
order book to over P31 billion.
Located at Capitol Commons, The Imperium is
a premiere residential development of Ortigas &
Company Limited Partnership.
DMCI is set to begin the 42-month structural
and basic architectural works for the 67-storey
residential high-rise by December 2015. The
building will feature trapezoidal canted windows
and unobstructed views of the Ortigas skyline and
Antipolo hills.
The company has also begun constructing the
Areté, the Creative Hub of the Ateneo de Manila
University in Quezon City. Target completion for
the hub is February 2017.
The project includes three (3) separate structures:
a 3-storey Theater Building that houses the main
theater, block box theater and a museum; a 4-storey
Innovation/Learning Building; and the Utility
Center Building. All structures will be connected by
a bridgeway to facilitate foot traffic.
NEWS
DMCI Power mulls RE entry
Areté is an ancient Greek word that means
excellence or virtue. Once completed, the hub is
envisioned to be the “Museum of Modern Art”
of the Philippines.
Another building project is the phase 2 office
expansion of TV5 Network, Inc., which involves
the construction of a nine-storey building with a
combined floor area of 20,031sq.m.
DMCI will also construct two diesel power
plants in Palawan and Sultan Kudarat. Once
completed, the facilities will have a combined
capacity of 13.59MW.
The company was also awarded the Tirona
Pumping Station and Reservoir project in Kawit,
Cavite. The facility will be used to temporarily
store and distribute 35ML of potable water to
Brgy. Gahak residents.
DMCI Power Corporation (DPC) is looking to expand its
operations to include renewable energy (RE).
“We are closely studying hydropower and
biomass because we think they have the strongest
potential in terms of output reliability and
commercial viability among the available RE
technologies,” said DPC President Nestor D.
Dadivas.
DPC currently operates diesel and bunker
power plants in Masbate, Palawan and Oriental
Mindoro. Another diesel plant is set to operate in
Sultan Kudarat by year-end.
The company is in the initial stage of
identifying locations for the renewable energy
projects.
DMCI · Hard Hat 88
“Right now, we have identified one or two
areas. But the locations could still change
depending on the results of our feasibility
studies,” Dadivas disclosed.
DPC cites market conditions and government
incentives as the reasons for its planned foray
into renewable energy.
“Having priority dispatch, government
support and a competitive price at a growing
but highly competitive power industry
makes these RE projects more attractive” he
elaborated.
9 Hard Hat · DMCI DMCI · Hard Hat 10

A m a s
C h r i s t
Cathrine Rose D. Quinit, R.N. and Vergil J. Gardose, R.N.
selfie
with my
bestie
Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (Medical Department) Jenny M. Osumo, Jonna D. Tiburcio, Rose Belle Q. Elias, Princess Rochelle O. Gan, Althea
Warren M. Rafal and his sales team Keziah R. Liwanag, Ruby D. Sevilleno
DMCI Homes (Sales Department) Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (Mine Planning and Engineering Department)

C hristmas is a time for celebrating

with those closest to our hearts.

On this issue of Hard Hat, we feature a

number of DMCI group employees who
John Reinaer T. Barreno and Roxan B. Garcia
proudly call each other “best friends”.
DMCI Power

John Ranzel Dela Cruz and Diane Angeline Flores

Arie Sena, Jun Brotarlo, Marlo Malabanan and Gold Pangan
Alta Vista de Boracay D.M. Consunji, Inc. (Engineering Department – Building Common Cost)

Jenica M. Rollon and Myra M. Bantilo Edmundo Llagas, Jr.

DMCI Project Developers Inc. Ma. Luisa M. Tuliao and Malou C. Austria and Josephus Dela Rosa
Maynilad
DMCI Holdings Royal Star Aviation Team
(Water Supply Operations)
11 Hard Hat · DMCI
EXECUTIVE
QA
&
With a professional career spanning nearly four decades, D.M.
Consunji, Inc. (DMCI) General Manager Luis C. Pastor (LCP) has
weathered some of the toughest periods and most complicated
construction projects in the company’s history.
A Thomasian by training and a
Bosconian by upbringing, LCP credits his
ascent to the top to divine providence and
destiny.
In this one-on-one interview with Hard
Hat, he also reveals his interest outside of
work and what he wants to accomplish for
the premiere construction company in the
Philippines.
Hard Hat (HH): How long have you
been with DMCI?
LCP: Almost 39 years. This is my first
and only job.
“We need
HH: What made you stay
this long?
LCP: I almost left in 1994.
But I think it was both a blessing
and a destiny that my plan to
to re-invent
leave did not push through. I
already signed the job offer from
the other employer but Mr. Isidro
ourselves”
A. Consunji (IAC) met with
me before I could submit the
contract to the owner. Hanggang
ngayon nasa akin yung kontratang
yon.
IAC convinced me that the
best was yet to come for DMCI
because the company was about to
go public at that time. I believed in
his vision so I stayed on.
This column aims to provide employees with valuable
insights into the business perspectives, growth strategies
and management styles of senior executives within the
DMCI Group. With such information, employees can
hopefully adapt their decisions and behaviour to support
their leaders and company.
with Luis C. Pastor
HH: Why did you choose a career in
construction?
LCP: I was influenced by my technical
training in elementary and high school. I
studied in Don Bosco Mandaluyong where
I majored in carpentry. I also have uncles
who are architects and they influenced
my interest in carpentry. Kung hindi ako
naging engineer, siguro architect ako.
HH: How much has the DMCI
culture changed through the years?
LCP: A lot has changed. When I started
here, the company was heavily controlled
by the family. The professional managers
cannot just talk to the clients. Only Mr.
David M. Consunji or Mr. Jess Ferrer can
talk to them.
Now, we can go out there and represent
the company even without the
owners. We can talk to clients
directly because the owners know
that we will protect the company
at all times. We will not put them
in a compromising position.
HH: Competition in the
construction industry has
increased because of
the development
boom. What sets
DMCI apart
from other
contractors?
DMCI · · Hard
DMCI Hard Hat
Hat 12
LCP: We offer our clients peace of mind
because we have no other agenda but to
finish a project on time and to the best
of our ability. In return, we expect to be
compensated for our skill and work quality.
A good example of this would be Solaire.
Given the time constraints, no other local
contractor could have single-handedly
completed a project of that scale and quality.
DMCI did and the owner is very pleased
with how the project turned out.
HH: What is the biggest challenge
being faced by DMCI today?
LCP: We need to re-invent ourselves
because any Tom, Dick and Harry can be a
contractor nowadays. LCP: My management style is very I want to leave DMCI as a very financially
simple. You work; I appreciate it. ‘Yun kasi healthy company, with a vast clientele who are
We can no longer be just a construction yung training na nakuha ko mula sa mga repeat clients. I also want DMCI to be rated
company. We have to adopt to the changing mentors ko. as one of the best construction companies in
the whole country. Marami pa kasi dyan na
times by modifying our approach to
securing projects. Hindi pwedeng umasa lang Construction work is so tough. It takes hindi kilala ang DMCI.
sa bidding. a lot of time, effort and hard work. So
you really have to give your guys that “tap HH. What’s the best thing about
on the back”. I give my people positive working at DMCI?
We need to create opportunities and
take advantage of the feedback and verbal affirmation if they do
resources available to the something that is worth recognizing. LCP: The Consunjis treat you as part of
DMCI group. their family. DMCI is not a company. It’s a
HH: Tell us something that you family.
HH: DMCI’s “DMCI enjoy doing outside of work.
entry into power HH: DMCI has a reputation for being a
plant construction is not a LCP: I collect model cars, yung training and raiding ground for talented
mga 1/18 scale. My father got me engineers. What would you say to those
has proven to be
company.
started on it. I also collect Starbucks young engineers who are planning to leave
challenging. What
mugs. DMCI?
lesson did you learn
from this experience?
It’s a
LCP: We went
family.”
HH: What three words best
describe you?
LCP: If you stay and work hard for DMCI,
you will be compensated well. But that’s just
into energy projects part of it. Working here is an achievement
aggressively and quickly
without understanding
LCP: God-fearing. Hardworking.
Honest.
in itself; one that no amount of money can
match.
much about power plants. We relied on
pure guts which is wrong. It was a very You have to be honest in this job in order If you really want to grow professionally,
painful and expensive learning process but I to make a name for yourself. I am a simple stay at DMCI because you will become part
believe we learned a lot from these setbacks. guy. I want to be known as someone who of construction projects that you can be proud
achieved small things. And when I leave of. Like in my case, the palace of the Sultan of
One of our biggest lesson is that thorough this industry, I want others to remember Brunei and recently, Solaire.
evaluation and study of new businesses that I did something good for DMCI and
must be done prior to coming in. the engineering profession. Early in your profession, you must find
where you are good at, where you can excel. If
HH: Describe your management style. HH: What kind of legacy do you you think you can excel at construction, there
want to leave behind at DMCI? is no better company than DMCI.
13 Hard Hat · DMCI DMCI · · Hard
DMCI Hard Hat
Hat 14

NEWS

Semirara
NEWS

Maynilad gets
company-wide ISO
Thanks
Supporters
Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) has been conferred a
company-wide ISO certification by an international certifying Semirara Mining and Power Corporation
body, making it the Philippine company with the most number of (SMPC) held a simple gathering on
ISO certificates for multiple sites. Semirara Island to thank its supporters
in the aftermath of the July 17 accident
at the northern edge of the Panian pit.
Maynilad’s total number of ISO certificates is 14001:2004) and Occupational Safety and Health
now 150. Its company-wide ISO certificate covers Management Systems (BS OHSAS 18001:2007). SMPC President Victor A. Consunji, VP for
55 offices and facilities, including several corporate Operations and Resident Manager George G. San
offices, Business Areas, materials depots (warehouses), The company’s efforts toward company-wide Pedro and Administration Division Manager Juniper
pump stations, sewage treatment plants, and water ISO accreditation began in 2007, when its Dagat- A. Barroquillo were all present to personally extend
treatment plants. dagatan Sewage and Septage Treatment Plant their gratitude to the local government officials,
became the first wastewater facility of its kind religious community members, law enforcement
The certification audit for Maynilad’s Integrated in the Asia Pacific Region to receive triple ISO agents and hospital personnel who helped in
Management System was conducted by TUV certifications. the search and rescue/retrieval operations, grief
Rheinland Philippines. counselling sessions and medical treatment of the
It is also the first and only water company in victims, survivors and their families.
Passing the strict audit process confirms that the Philippines to receive the ISO 14064:2006
Maynilad meets international standards for certification for the verification of its greenhouse “The unwavering support and kindness of our
Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001:2008), gases or carbon footprint quantification and stakeholders enabled us to survive a very difficult
Environmental Management Systems (ISO reporting initiative. time. We are profoundly grateful to them,” expressed
Consunji.

The company also recognized its employees who

tirelessly worked to retrieve the bodies of the victims
and comfort those families who suffered tremendous
loss.

Administration Division Assistant Manager Vince

Malig was one of those who witnessed the remarkable
efforts of the SMPC employees.

“Ms. Cecil Dioquino, Dra. Annabelle Rebollido

and the rest of the doctors, nurses and staff of the
SMC Hospital deserve special mention because
from the very beginning they were there to assist the
bereaved families. They worked even beyond office
hours,” said Malig.
15 Hard Hat · DMCI
NEWS
DMC-UPDI partners with
Habitat for Humanity
DMC Urban Property Developers, Inc. (DMC-UPDI) has signed
an agreement with Habitat for Humanity Philippines to provide
informal settler families living along the waterways in Malabon City
with better housing.
DMC-UPDI pledged eight housing units
in Marangal Village, Bgy. Longos, Malabon.
To be constructed by Habitat Philippines, The
units are part of the Marangal Village Socialized
Housing Project, a relocation program
established in 2012. The units are expected to
be completed by July 2016.
“It brings us great joy that we are able to
be of service to our fellow Filipinos who need
decent shelter,” says Jose Merin, President of
DMC-UPDI.
“Being able to contribute Habitat’s cause
which addresses the practical needs of today
should be practiced more by other private
companies as well,” he added.
Also present at the contract signing were
DMC-UPDI General Manager Victoria Joy
Adriano and Business Manager Jaycelene
Alfelor. They were joined by Habitat
Philippines’ Managing Director and CEO
Charlie S. Ayco, Chief Marketing Officer
Yvonne Lih and Resource Development
Manager for Special Funds Joey Rosel.
Ayco also expressed his gratitude to DMC-
UPDI for choosing to partner with Habitat
as a channel of blessing.
“DMC-UPDI will not only provide a roof
over the heads of families but also give a
concrete sense of peace in their minds with
their new home. We are very grateful that
DMC-UPDI has chosen to contribute to our
organization’s mission and vision,” he said.
Subicwater Head Apollo C. Tiglao:
Never too young
to lead
Age and leadership ability do not automatically go hand-in-hand, as
proven by 36-year old Subic Water and Sewerage Co. (Subicwater)
President and CEO Apollo C. Tiglao.
The first ISO-certified water utility in South
East Asia, Subicwater is owned by a consortium
composed of DMCI Project Developers, Inc.,
Sembcorp Industries Ltd. of Singapore, Subic
Bay Metropolitan Authority and Maynilad
Water Services Inc. (Maynilad).
Tiglao was appointed to head Subicwater
in March 2013. Since then, he has steered the
18-year old company to all-time highs in terms
of profitability, service coverage and operational
efficiency.
In recognition of his remarkable
achievements, he was recently named a finalist
in the Capital One Young Leader of the Year
category of the 2015 Asia CEO Awards,
Molded at Maynilad
According to Tiglao, his “passion and
commitment to deliver results” are the catalysts Struggling with Youthful Appearance
to his success.
He also credits his superiors and mentors
at Maynilad for his hands-on approach and
collegial leadership style. Maynilad COO
Herbert M. Consunji is one of his mentors,
whom he turns to for advice and inspiration.
“I started as a probinsyanong cadet engineer your position,” he said.
in Maynilad. I was trained to do hard work, to
do the nitty gritty. My bosses before drove for
themselves, so I did. They photocopied their
own materials, so I did,” he said.
“As President and CEO, I make my own
slide presentations. I encode my own data in
Excel and I write my own memos,” he proudly
shared.
DMCI · Hard Hat 16
Honor Roll
In this column, we recognize DMCI Group
employees who have made inspiring and
remarkable accomplishments, whether
in their professional or personal lives. By
sharing their stories, we hope to lead other
employees towards the path of excellence.
Participative Decision-making professionals aspiring for senior positions,
Shortly after his transfer to Subicwater, he cites an unexpected source.
Tiglao immediately implemented
his chosen management style— “I will quote Geri, the toy repairman
“transformational leadership”. from the movie Toy Story: ‘You can’t rush
art.’ There is no shortcut to success. My
Tiglao believes that by inspiring years of experience with Maynilad is my
his colleagues to change expectations, foundation for attaining this position,”
perceptions, and motivations, they can he said.
effectively work towards common goals.
He also encouraged them to challenge
ideas and think out-of-the-box during
their brainstorming sessions.
“I don’t want them to agree with me just
because I’m the boss. I assured them that
it’s okay to question what I say. If I say
white, challenge it. Say it’s black. Just as
long as you can justify why,” he said.
Leading a company at a young age is not
always easy. And sometimes the challenge
lies in his youthful appearance.
“They tend to judge you on your age
and your appearance. When you face a
mayor or other officials, it’s inevitable for
them to think that you are too young for
However, he has not let this perception
get in the way. “I showed that I can do
the work well, and that I can help the
company move forward. Fortunately, we
were able to set new all-time highs.”
When asked for his advice to young
17 Hard Hat · DMCI
As a subcontracted messenger from a manpower company, Benjie Misajon, Jr. would
be deployed from one firm to another. In 2007, his agency assigned him to DMCI
Mining Corporation, not knowing that something great was in store for him there.
In 2012, after five years of working
in the company, Misajon was offered a
regular position at DMCI Mining. It was
his first time to become a regular employee
after almost two decades of working for
various enterprises.
 
Asked what could be the reason behind
his regularization, the unassuming Misajon
sidestepped the question, concerned that
his answer could be construed as bragging.
 
“Hindi ko po alam e, sa kanila na po
siguro ‘yun. (I don’t actually know, it’s
probably management’s decision),” he said.
 
DMCI Mining’s decision to make him
a regular employee was a reflection of
Misajon’s performance and dedication to
work.
 
Misajon was required to report to work
from seven in the morning until four in
the afternoon. But he would be in the
office as early as 5:30 in the morning.
“I’m used to coming to work very early
17
Benjie Misajon, Jr.:
Performing ordinary tasks
extraordinarily well
even in my previous assignments,” he said.
 
“Here at DMCI, I would do some
janitorial work so that by seven, when other
employees arrive, the office is already clean
and I will be ready to take their job orders,”
he said.
 
As a messenger, Misajon’s duties range
from doing janitorial work to running
errands outside the office.
 
Born in the province of Iloilo, Misajon’s
family migrated to Manila after he
graduated from elementary. He is now
married and has two daughters aged 19 and
nine.
 
“They are my number one inspiration.
That’s why I try to make my job as perfect
as possible,” he said. “And I never say no to
overtime when the boss says it’s needed.”
 
Often, job requests pile up. He would
be asked to pay telephone bills, make bank
transactions, or go to other offices all on the
same day, which prompt him to skip meals
On the radar
There are many remarkable
people at the DMCI Group.
Through this column, we hope
to recognize these talented,
extraordinary individuals.
sometimes. “But there is no problem at all,
I think that is part of my job,” he said in a
proud tone.
  
More than receiving economic benefits
like bonuses now that he is a regular
employee, Misajon said working at DMCI
Mining inspires him to do better each day.
 
“From the bosses to the regular employees
like me, everyone is very nice,” he said. “It
also feels good that I know almost everyone
working here and I have a good relationship
with them.”
As Christmas draws near, Misajon, could
only thank God for a happy family and
a stable job. He said his family celebrates
Christmas by hearing mass and having
dinner after. “What is important is we are
together,” he said.
 
As for his job, Misajon could not ask
for more. “I am very contented with this
company,” he said. “I actually dream of
retiring here.”
DMCI · Hard Hat 18
Corporate Citizenship
Driving business and social value across the Group and the
communities we serve is key to sustaining our operations.
In this section, we share how the different DMCI companies
make things better for our stakeholders.
Volunteering for
Environmental Protection
One of the Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) pillars of
DMCI Power Corporation (DPC)
is environment preservation and
protection.
An off-grid power generation company, DPC is not
only mindful of its environmental compliance and
performance, it also supports community activities
that reduce and mitigate pollution.
In Palawan, over a dozen DPC employees recently
joined the international day for coastal clean-up
dubbed in the Philippines as “Adopt an Estero”
program. This year’s theme is “Bayanihan para sa
Malinis na Katubigan at Karagatan.”
Armed with cleaning tools, brooms and waste
containers, the employees volunteered their time and
efforts to remove marine debris and trash from the
rivers, creeks and beaches of Palawan.
“We will continue to support this activity as part
of DMCI Power’s commitment to environmental
protection,” said Engr. Teofe Cadiz, DMCI Power-
Palawan Plant Manager.
“In fact, this activity is part of our yearly
Environment, Health and Safety and Corporate
Social Responsibility work plan,” he added.
Local government agencies such as the
Environmental Management Bureau and other
private companies are one in their goal of saving
waterbodies in Palawan.
The Adopt an Estero program is an apt and
timely initiative for a province that is committed to
maintaining its status as the last biodiversity frontier
in the country.
Hard Hat · DMCI

Words
of Wis DM
The DMCI Group was founded by a builder whose values and work ethics are nothing
short of legendary. In this column, we highlight not just the words but the wisdom
of our Chairman Emeritus David M. “DM” Consunji, so that each of us could continue
his exceptional work.

On making
the right decision
In 1949, DMCI group Founder David M. Consunji
bought a second-hand concrete mixer, which he
refused to re-sell to a prominent contractor for more
than five times his acquisition cost.

That mixer became the foundation of premiere

engineering and construction company, D.M. Consunji
Inc. And up until the late 1980s, the equipment was
used to build structures and buildings that brought real
benefits to other people.

“
In his book “A Passion to Build”, DM explains his
decision.

It was not a question of return

on investments. I was not chasing
financial benefit.

To me, accepting his offer would

have been like a violinist or a flutist
selling his instrument – treating
it like a commodity to buy and
sell. And, of course, that would be
unthinkable for a genuine musician.

The concrete mixer was the

equivalent of the violin.
“
It was the tool which formed the
basis of my calling.