A great workplace is not defined only by recognition or scores. It is built through the everyday actions of people who show up, support one another, and remain committed to a shared purpose.
For the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), being a great place to work means creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and connected to the communities they serve.
RAFI has secured its Great Place to Work® recertification, with its overall score rising from 86% to 90%. The results reflect the continued trust and engagement of RAFInians, with 80% of employees participating in the survey despite a year marked by organizational shifts, evolving priorities, and increased demands.
The recognition highlights RAFI’s continued commitment to strengthening a workplace culture rooted in care, collaboration, and resilience.
Among the highest-rated areas were employees’ pride in contributing to the community, access to the resources needed to perform effectively, and a strong sense of fairness and inclusion in the workplace, with 98% of respondents affirming these experiences.
RAFI Chief Operating Officer Ms. Riella B. Guioguio emphasizes that the recognition represents more than a survey result.
“A great place to work isn’t just about a survey, it’s really about the consistency of the people, of the team, of the organization to show up when it’s difficult. To consistently show care and love for its people when it’s difficult,” she shared.
“It’s not just a score that resulted from a survey. It speaks from a deeper language to really show to us the effort of everyone in this organization—to constantly improve, to constantly show how we care for the well-being of our employees and our teams.”
Inside RAFI: Finding Purpose Through Community Transformation
Behind every program and initiative are RAFInians who continue to find meaning in the work they do.
For Max Palen, Project Lead and a RAFInian for 17 years, his journey with RAFI has been shaped by the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in communities.
His work has allowed him to support different initiatives, from helping students and schools to working alongside farmers and communities. For him, the greatest fulfillment comes from seeing how these efforts translate into real transformation.
“It’s very aligned with my field and profession. What gives me fulfillment is knowing that I have been able to make a significant contribution, especially in supporting students and schools, and most especially our farmers, where we have created a meaningful impact. I truly love my work because I know that through it, I am able to help and make a difference in our communities.”
For Sir Max, the impact of RAFI’s work can be seen through the stories of the people and communities who continue to move forward.
“What moves me forward is hearing the stories of our community partners who have been able to build homes and expand their sources of livelihood, such as poultry farming, because of the support they received. It is also inspiring to witness forests being restored and communities becoming more resilient.”
His connection to RAFI’s environmental work is reflected in the native trees he helps restore, particularly the banaba tree, which he sees as a reflection of his own journey.
“Banaba, because it has medicinal qualities and its flowers are especially beautiful. It is also a very strong tree. I can relate its dignity and resilience to myself because the Banaba can withstand strong winds and does not easily fall. I see that same strength in myself.”
For Max, planting trees is more than restoring forests. It is about helping communities recover and creating a future where nature and people can thrive together.
“Our tree planting efforts are about restoring our environment. We have experienced many typhoons that have significantly damaged our forests, which is why we advocate for growing native trees.”
Like the banaba tree, Max’s story reflects resilience, growth, and the strength that comes from staying rooted in purpose.
For RAFI, building a great place to work means nurturing people who are empowered to create impact—not only within the organization but in the communities they serve.Because behind every transformation is a team of RAFInians who continue to show up, care deeply, and grow together.
