Dole Philippines, Inc. (Dolefil) was recognized by the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) for its excellence in industrial relations, quality and productivity, social accountability, and strategic visioning and partnering for business and job survival. The Kapatiran sa Industriya (KAPATID) Award was conferred by President Benigno “Noynoy” S. Aquino III himself during the Closing Ceremonies of the National Conference of Employers (NCE) at the Marriot Hotel in Pasay City on May 5, 2011.

According to KAPATID Awards 2011 Executive Committee Chairman Rene Soriano, more than 28 companies in the Philippines were nominated this year and only 11 were chosen as finalists and were acknowledged during the first day of NCE.

President Benigno S. Aquino III awards the Grand KAPATID Award 2011 to Dole Philippines, Inc.VP and Managing Director Simon Denye. Photo by: Jay Morales/ Malacanang Photo Bureau

The companies vying for KAPATID Award underwent a series of panel interviews, with judges composed of experts from different sectors of society: Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, International Labor Organization (ILO) Manila Director Lawrence Jeff Johnson, Dean Jorge Sibal of UP-School of Labor and Industrial Relations, Antonio Asper from the Federation of Free Workers and David Balangue from Makati Business Club.

Dolefil’s workplace policies and programs, characterized by management-worker harmony, quality products and processes and partnership with the community, impressed the judges. “There were many good contestants, but what we’ve found with Dole, they were able to put the four packages together: they looked at how they can work with their employees, management coming together, their services to society and their communities. There were many participants but Dole edged out and did a very good job. I think Dole has a lot to be proud of!” remarked ILO Manila Director Lawrence Jeff Johnson. [quote1]

The KAPATID Awards is a biennial awards activity of ECOP established in 1995, and initially aims recognize the fruitful and beneficial outcome of good and harmonious relationship of management and workers. Over the years, the KAPATID Awards evolved into a comprehensive search for best workplace policies and programs highlighted by management-worker cooperation for better labor relations; product and service quality and improved productivity; enhanced relationship with workers, their families, and the society; and the ability of the enterprise to foresee future economic and socio-political changes through long-term planning and sustainability.

Among the other finalists who vied for the coveted KAPATID Awards are Nestle Philippines, Toyota Motor Phils., SM Retail, IBM Philippines, Bridgestone Precision, Amkor Technology, AGC Flat Glass Phils., Inc., HEDCOR, ADD Research Paints and Chemicals, Inc., RCM Manufacturing, Inc., Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc. (TADECO), and Absolute Service, Inc.

“This award is for all our employees, our business partners and the community. Without your support, we wouldn’t have made this achievement,” Dolefil VP and Managing Director Simon Denye said, recognizing everyone who contributed to the success of Dolefil.

In 2009, Dolefil also received Special Citations for Social Accountability and Productivity and Quality from the same award-giving body.