SFI’s Road to Recognition: Learning & Development Finalist at the IIP Awards 2025

On September 19, 2025, Servicio Filipino Inc. proudly stood as a Finalist in the Learning & Development category at the Investors in People Awards 2025: Inspire to Excel, held at the Securities and Exchange Commission HQ, Makati City. 

This honor was not achieved overnight. It is the result of years of dedication and commitment to investing in people, innovation, and a people-first culture that has become SFI’s signature. 

A Legacy of Gold

For more than eight years, SFI has maintained its Investors in People Gold Certification, alongside industry leaders such as Manulife, SEC, and Maynilad. This Gold distinction reflects not only compliance with global standards but also the company’s continuous effort in employee engagement, skills enhancement, and ethical leadership. 

In the podcast episode “Transformations 2024: The Year of Investing in People”, IIP CEO Gerry Plana, together with the Investors in People Director Pinky Diokno and Chairman Janet Webster, recognized SFI’s incredible growth, innovation, and resilience. Webster highlighted SFI’s commitment to a culture of well-being and professional development, noting how the company continues to set a standard for sustainable, people-centric workplace practices in the Philippines. 

Innovation in Action

SFI’s journey also took center stage at the 20th IIP Concourse held on June 5, 2025, where our President & CEO, Mr. Luis Alberto Anastacio, delivered a keynote on empowering people through AI and automation. 

His message was clear: innovation must uplift, not replace people. SFI showcased several AI-automated tools designed in-house – SUSAN, CLARA, CARE, and LLAILA  that have transformed recruitment. HR compliance, client support, and employee training. With these tools, HR cases that took weeks can now be resolved in a day. 

To drive adoption, SFI launched an AI Champion Program, creating internal ambassadors of change. This program has delivered 3x-8x increases in output, 35% higher efficiency, and 40% less manual work. 

As IIP Philippines CEO Gerry Plana noted during the Concourse:

“Servicio Filipino showed that when you invest in people, you don’t just create efficiency — you create confidence.”

A Global Stage: Town Hall Milestone

During SFI’s Town Hall meeting on July 18, 2025, another proud moment was shared by Ms. Tiraña. She announced that SFI had been recognized at the Investors in People Awards with one of its team members winning Overseas Employee of the Year.

Even more exciting, SFI is now in the running to be crowned the No. 1 Gold Employer outside of the UK, being one of only five organizations globally shortlisted for this prestigious title.

This recognition not only underscores SFI’s people-first approach but also places the company on the world stage as a role model for workplace development and organizational excellence.

Finalist Recognition: Inspire to Excel

These milestones – upholding IIP Gold, recognition in the Transformation 2024 podcast, and championing innovation at the 20th IIP Concourse. All led to SFI being honored as a Finalist in the Learning & Development at the IIP Philippines Awards 2025. 

While we did not bring home the top prize, this recognition affirms the strength of our journey: one that combines innovation, courage, and people-centered leadership. 

Looking Ahead

SFI’s path as an IIP Finalist is not the end but a continuing journey. By embedding learning, growth, and innovation into our core operations, we remain committed to uplifting employees, strengthening client partners, and setting new benchmarks for workplace excellence.

At Servicio Filipino Inc., investing in people is investing in the future. And this is a future we are building together; courageously, collaboratively, and with purpose.