Universal Robina Corp. (URC) has clinched a string of awards for its hiring, employee growth and management programs that have made it still among Asia’s top workplaces. 
 
The company – one of the Philippines’ largest – was named one of Asia’s Best Companies to Work for by HR Asia for a third straight year. 
 
It also received top marks from an Asia-based talent and employer branding firm for its recruitment program, and was honored with two more awards for its use of technology and artificial intelligence in human resources management at the HR Excellence Awards Philippines 2025. 
 
URC’s President & CEO Irwin Lee said that these awards “affirm our dedication to fostering an environment where our people feel valued, empowered and connected to a shared purpose”. 

In being recognized as one of the best companies in Asia to work for, URC was lauded for its leadership programs that focus on equipping managers with skills to inspire teams, encourage collaboration and adopt agile ways of working.? 
 
The company was also cited for supporting employee growth through learning opportunities, innovation initiatives and cross-functional collaboration, alongside its recognition programs designed to celebrate initiative and engagement. 
 
Lee said this recognition reflects the commitment and passion of its workforce and its goal to continue building a workplace “where people are inspired to lead, empowered to grow, and united by a common purpose.” 
 
URC was, meanwhile, handed the Best Recruitment Innovation for Young Talents award by TalentView.

This award recognizes organizations that set benchmarks in attracting, engaging and developing future-ready professionals.? 
 
Lee said the honor highlights URC’s efforts to rethink recruitment by focusing on authenticity, purpose and growth for early-career hires. 
 
“Today’s generation of graduates want more than job security. They want opportunities to learn, grow and make an impact. This award is a reflection of how URC is meeting that challenge head-on.” 

URC has rolled out initiatives such as its Comprehensive High-Impact Internship Program, which immerses students in projects guided by mentors, and the NextGen Leaders Program, a management trainee track designed to prepare high-potential graduates for leadership roles. 
 
It also launched #GrowBeyondURDegree and #LaunchURCareer, campaigns that use social media, school partnerships and campus activations to showcase the company’s workplace culture.

Three years running: URC is still among Asia’s Best Companies to Work For in 2025. 

In photo left to right: Louisa Tagulinao (Associate, Early Careers and Corporate Communications), John Albert Ampil (Group Manager, Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, and Employee Experience), and Datuk William Ng (Chairman and Managing Director of Audience Analytics Limited). 

Recognized for AI technology and digital solutions: URC clinches two recognitions at HR Excellence Awards 2025 

In photo left to right: Alex Gomez (Manager, Talent Acquisition and Corporate Programs), Reena Tecson (Director, Human Resources – BCFG Philippines), Roland Villareal (Global Head, Learning and Talent Management), Mark Kevin Lanuzo (Officer, HR Solutions), Kristine Perez (Group Manager, HR Operational Excellence), Elisa Abalajon (Chief Human Resources Officer and ATO Lead), Jem Asuncion (Chapter Lead – Agile Coach), John Albert Ampil (Group Manager, Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, and Employee Experience) Louisa Tagulinao (Associate, Early Careers and Corporate Communications), and Alyssa A. Alillana (Cluster Director of Human Resources, SMX Convention Center).