Cultivating Purpose: How Globe Resonates with Me

Bernie Roxas, Sustainability and Social Responsibility Manager at Globe Group, shares how the company's purpose-driven initiatives and sustainability efforts—highlighted in this article in lieu of World Environment Day—foster a meaningful impact, inspiring employees to align their passions with corporate progress.

Unchartered territories

I never envisioned a career in the corporate world. Coming from a family of doctors, it was truly uncharted territory for me, and my passion for Environmental Science was, to say the least, unconventional. My early career was spent with non-profit organizations, deeply immersed in communities – building community-based enterprises, teaching public school students and teachers about the environment, and striving to rehabilitate our forests. My idealistic belief was simple: if I couldn't heal individuals, perhaps I could help heal the world (broadly speaking) through my chosen field. 

At the LA Conference Bleue: The Sustainability Conference

Why Globe?

The corporate world, to me, seemed primarily focused on profit. So, why Globe? It was a question I pondered deeply. My research began with its press releases, integrated reports, and the company website. What I discovered made a profound imprint: Globe was taking sustainability pretty seriously with its ambitious goal of Net Zero by 2050. This commitment resonated deeply with my personal mission of environmental conservation.

My idealistic belief was simple: if I couldn't heal individuals, perhaps I could help heal the world (broadly speaking) through my chosen field. 

Wins That Have Lasting Impact

My initial months at Globe swiftly proved my preconceptions wrong. I found myself in a truly purpose-driven organization, where the company's Purpose statement, "Uplift Filipino Lives Everyday", aligned perfectly with my own desire to create lasting positive impact.

Volunteering allows us to support causes that are close to our hearts. Last year, we came together to repack meal kits for underserved communities. It's not just about helping; it's a wonderful opportunity to connect with other Ka-Globe and build stronger bonds while making an impact.

It's truly inspiring to see that the products we release are thoughtfully designed to contribute to addressing environmental and societal issues in meaningful ways. Globe cultivates a culture that empowers us as employees to innovate, collaborate, and be bold in developing pioneering programs and products. 

This World Environment Day (June 5), these are some of the ways we live out sustainability in Globe. 

1. Eco-friendly commutes 

   Our intersite office shuttles are powered by EVs, especially during peak times. That means less emissions as we move around, which is a win for all of us and the company. We're even encouraged to choose EVs for our car plans!

Each EV ride has the capacity to transport a maximum of passengers, which is almost twice the capacity of internal combustion engine vehicles.

2. Plastic-free initiatives

   Since 2019, we've been making a conscious effort to reduce plastic in our buildings with our WASSUP (Wag sa Single Use Plastics) policy. And in 2024, employees are encouraged to bring their own containers – with some stalls, like Starbucks and Toby's, even providing incentives such as PHP10 off. It's a small change that makes a big difference.

   
   

Fellow Ka-Globe bring their own bags for TGT Farmers Market, connecting directly with Kadiwa farmers and supporting them in selling their fresh produce.

3. Thoughtful Packaging Materials

   Our Globe at Home packaging is now recyclable and upcyclable, and our mobile SIMs are EcoSIMs. It's a clear signal to all our customers that for every interaction, we're keeping our environmental impact in mind.

   
   

I found myself in a truly purpose-driven organization, where the company's Purpose statement, "Uplift Filipino Lives Everyday", aligned perfectly with my own desire to create lasting positive impact.

4. Sustainable Events 

   You know Globe loves its events! To make sure we celebrate responsibly, Globe has started rolling out its Sustainable Event Guidelines to lessen our environmental footprint and make social responsibility more evident. These guidelines limit the use and distribution of disposable materials, encourage the use of energy-efficient technologies, and promote inclusive practices, among others.

And when it comes to our events, like the 2023 GMusic Fest, we collectively made a difference by setting up water refilling stations. It's a testament to our shared commitment to limiting single-use plastics, even during our marquee events.

5. Globe Rewards

   Globe Rewards points, earned through everyday transactions, can be donated to our partner NGOs, empowering customers to support causes they believe in, such as environmental conservation, hunger alleviation, and education.

These programs and products, and many more that’s too long to list, truly fill me with pride to be a #KaGlobe. Moreso, I am grateful that my first (and hopefully my last) corporate work is with this company. 

Why stay?

I vividly recall my December 2022 interview, when I was asked, "Aren’t you afraid that we have set such ambitious targets?". My response then, and my conviction now, remains unwavering: "Why would I? The fact that the management committed to this target means you have their support." To this day, that support has never wavered. In fact, the support only continues to grow as we reach more business units, making these targets a real possibility. 

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Globe’s collaborative and inclusive work environment has made me flourish in this once-uncharted territory.

The organization's bold vision of taking Filipinos to new places does not just foster a cultivating culture to thrive; it ignites a deeper sense of purpose within me. Every email, every meeting, every chance encounter are steps towards creating a Globe of Good.

What do you think of Bernie's story? Comment down below to express your thoughts. For more culture updates, follow Globe on LinkedIn.