At Franklin Baker Company of the Philippines, fostering innovation and sustainability is an integral part of its culture. The company firmly believes that its success is primarily driven by its people. This belief was exemplified by James Zabala and Robert James Pujed from the Diamond Plant in Darong, Davao del Sur, who recently won the prestigious TOWER Award—marking a significant achievement for the company.
The Outstanding Workers of the Republic (TOWER) Awards recognizes the nation’s most outstanding non-supervisory employees, both blue-collar and white-collar, highlighting their initiatives to drive innovation and contribute to the growth and productivity of their respective departments or companies. The awards celebrate the vital roles of workers in the economic and technological advancement of the country while promoting pride in excellence, creativity, and the resilience needed to overcome business challenges.
James and Robert earned the coveted Innovation Team Award for their groundbreaking “Agitate to Operate” project, which focused on optimizing productivity in coconut paring oil operations by reducing the build-up of “latak” (residue) during production. Their initiative led to a remarkable 30% increase in the average daily output of paring oil, while simultaneously reducing operating costs and improving worker safety. This success opened the door for further efficiency and productivity-driven initiatives at Franklin Baker, reinforcing the company’s commitment to its employees by encouraging creative problem-solving and valuing their input for a better workplace.
In a fitting tribute during the Labor Day celebrations, James and Robert were honored at a ceremony at Malacañang Palace on May 1, 2024. The event was graced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., along with officials and representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP). It was a proud moment for the Franklin Baker team to receive an award that not only honors their employees but also highlights the company’s commitment to supporting the Philippine coconut industry.
Franklin Baker extends its sincere gratitude to James and Robert for their exceptional out-of-the-box thinking and dedication to improving the company’s safety and productivity. Their accomplishments embody the company’s mission to empower employees with the tools and support needed to excel through sustainable and innovative initiatives.
