During a news conference on April 6, lawyer Augusto Go introduced the AWG Employees Wellness and Privileges Passport, a benefits program for employees across the group’s diverse holdings.
The program provides employees and their extended families with benefits covering healthcare, education, financial assistance, and lifestyle services.
Go, who serves as chair of the University of Cebu, also announced that the university will not impose any tuition increase for the coming school year to help keep education accessible.
“Education should not become heavier at a time when families are already carrying so much,” Go said. “This is our way of standing with our students and their parents.”
Commitment to help
According to Go, the AWG Employees Wellness and Privileges Passport—which is being distributed to employees—is not just a benefit but a commitment.
“As our organizations grow, our people and their families should grow with us,” he said.
The passport outlines employee privileges, including free or discounted tuition at UC campuses for eligible employees, as well as discounts at the University of Cebu Medical Center and St. Vincent General Hospital for healthcare and hospitalization services.
These privileges extend to employees’ spouses, children, siblings, nephews, and nieces.
Go said the AWG Group is also offering motorcycle loans to employees at interest rates significantly lower than those of commercial banks to provide a more affordable transportation option as fuel prices and commuting costs continue to rise.
“We want to give our employees practical solutions,” he said. “If we can help them move more efficiently and save on daily expenses, then we are easing real burdens at home.”
Diverse holdings
The AWG Group of Companies, which has enterprises in education, healthcare, hospitality, banking and finance, and other service sectors, employs thousands across the country.
The group includes UC, UC Medical Center, St. Vincent General Hospital, Cebu Coliseum, ASPAC Bank, and Visayan Surety and Insurance Corp., among others.
For Go, these initiatives reflect the broader responsibility of institutions, especially in times of crisis.
“In moments like this, we cannot simply watch costs rise and do nothing,” he said. “We must act where we can and do what is right for the people who depend on us.” —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
Contributor
