First Pacific Leadership Academy turns a new leaf in training business leaders

MANILA, Philippines - There’s a new breeding ground for future global business leaders.

This center in Antipolo City has turned a new leaf in its existence, from its humble beginnings as a foundation once popular as a site for various social events, a training center, a venue for company employees’ team-building exercises and other special activities.

In the past year, under the leadership and vision of Manuel V. Pangilinan, it has become the training ground for leaders of the future — a true “corporate university,” the first of its kind in the Philippines. Thus, the First Pacific Leadership Academy (FPLA) is born.

Located in a lush and serene 10-hectare property in Antipolo City, this simple foundation was known then to the community through its various corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs targeted toward training public school administrators, tackling safety and environmental protection.

Revenues were generated mainly through the use of its conference facilities and from its academic programs, which supported the center’s day-to-day operations and other administrative expenses.

The FPLA is mandated to spearhead and ensure the leadership succession and development programs of the various companies under the First Pacific Group, the Hong Kong-based investment management and holding company.

With this change, the FPLA is now envisioned to be a learning and training institution dedicated toward excellence and innovation in global leaders who drive social and economic progress. This it aims to do through its various course offerings on executive leadership for the First Pacific Group member-companies and various clients in the community.

With an ideal learning environment that is designed to inspire excellence in leadership, those who enroll in FPLA’s programs will be guided using a world-class mentoring program designed to equip future business leaders to one day become the nation’s movers and shakers.

But in conjunction with the advanced learning programs, latest technologies and integrated infrastructure conducive to learning, the FPLA promises one thing: to inculcate the spirit of innovation, integrity, competence and passion, the prime attributes of successful yet socially responsive business leaders, qualities that will someday make them become more than just outstanding leaders, but also the nation’s future builders.

Despite the change in structure, the FPLA will continue to be guided by fundamental philosophies and values that have been the major hallmark and guiding force of the academy.

Integrity is one value that transcends transparency and accountability, a major trait of the modern business leader, while “malasakit” instills teamwork, quality service, environment, safety and health.

Excellence is all about competence, productivity, customer focus, creativity and performance, while Learning and Development and Growth entails continuing innovation.

Lastly, Synergy involves teaching future leaders the importance of building trusted partnerships and solid relationships.

“It is the commitment of FPLA to the country and to the people to be a vital catalyst for positive change. It is widely known that leaders of the First Pacific Group of Companies wield substantial influence by being major players in many key industries. With them involved in the shaping and molding of future business leaders today, it thus makes FPLA a vital contributor to the economic and social advancement of the country,” said Roy Agustin Evalle, FPLA’s general manager for Leadership Succession and Development.

For more details on the First Pacific Leadership Academy, its corporate programs and facilities, visit www.fpacademy.net or call 632-8111.