WINNING | URC strengthens talent strategy with workplace focus

Insider Spotlight

• URC reinforces long-term talent strategy through leadership and learning
• Employee development remains central to business growth and agility
• Employer brand recognition adds to a string of workplace accolades
  
  
  

Universal Robina Corp. (URC) is strengthening its long-term growth strategy by continuing to invest in leadership development, early-career opportunities, and employee engagement as it builds a more agile workforce to support future expansion.

The food and beverage manufacturer recently earned recognition at the Philippines’ Best Employer Brand Awards 2026 from the Employer Branding Institute and the World HRD Congress, highlighting its workplace culture and employee development initiatives. 

The award recognizes organizations that have built strong employer brands through people practices, employee development, and workplace culture.

Why it matters

Companies are increasingly treating talent development as a competitive advantage as they navigate rapid technological change and evolving workforce expectations.

The recognition reflects URC's commitment to strengthening its employer value proposition, Grow Beyond UR Job, which creates opportunities for employees to learn, lead, and advance throughout their careers, the company said in a statement. 

Over the past 70 years, it has expanded leadership development, early-career initiatives, employee engagement programs, and continuous learning efforts designed to foster ownership, collaboration, and purpose.

“Receiving this honor underscores a fundamental truth at URC: our sustained business success is entirely powered by our people,” said URC president and CEO Irwin Lee.

 “By continuously investing in leadership development and next-generation talent, we are building a highly agile, future-ready organization.”

Irwin Lee

President and CEO, URC

The bigger picture

The latest recognition adds to a growing list of workplace honors received by the company in recent years, reinforcing its focus on attracting, developing, and retaining talent across its businesses.

“This is a proud moment that reflects the immense passion of our team. It strengthens our resolve to foster a workplace where everyone is empowered to innovate, lead, and Grow Beyond UR Job,” Lee said.

In 2025, URC was named one of Asia's Best Companies to Work For by HR Asia for the third consecutive year and also received multiple awards recognizing its recruitment, talent development, and human resources programs, including TalentView's Best Recruitment Innovation for Young Talents award.

The company said the recognition underscores its continuing commitment to building a workplace where employees are empowered to grow, lead, and contribute to the business's long-term success. — Princess Daisy C. Ominga| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma