Imagine if disaster strikes. From cyberattacks to power outages, even the specter of regional conflict looms large. Chaos reigns, plunging society into confusion and disrupting everything from social order to public health, power, infrastructure, and beyond. How do we prepare for these types of scenarios?
With this in mind, the Aboitiz Power (AP) Risk and Organizational Performance Management (AP ROPM) Team, in collaboration with the AEV Transformation Team, launched two batches of Contingency Planning Workshops last February 23 and March 15, 2024, to proactively tackle implications of a geopolitical tension scenario. By identifying potential opportunities and risk mitigation initiatives, participants from AP’s business units such as Aboitiz Power Corp., AP Thermal, AP Renewables, Inc., Aboitiz Renewables, Inc., AP Distribution Unit Corp., Cotabato Light and Power Company, Davao Light, Visayan Electric, Enerzones, Hedcor, and SNAP, are helping fortify 1AP’s business operations and strengthen its resilience.
During his opening remarks, AP Risk and Business Continuity Manager Earl Fortuna cited examples of historic disasters that disrupted people and institutions all over the world. Speaking of the benefits of preparedness, he said: “Impacts of damage can be minimized through effective contingency planning and implementation. Today, I challenge each of you to contribute to our collective effort in becoming more contingent, more sustainable, and more resilient as we strive to achieve our strategic plans and propel ourselves towards becoming the premier Techglomerate, each in our own small yet significant ways.”
Check out the 5 most exciting highlights from the workshops:
1. 45 ideas presented
In the opening segment of both batches, Transformation Lead and Head Facilitator Jaclyn Chong imparted a valuable reminder: there’s no such thing as a crazy idea. Embracing this ethos, participants embarked on the journey of integrating creativity into their daily tasks by revisiting their Business Impact Analysis (BIAs) and strategies. Encouraged to think outside the box, everyone brainstormed diverse options to tackle potential risks, explore ideas within early-stage opportunities – anchored on “no regrets” initiatives.
With the two batches, 45 ideas flourished and participants picked their top 3 ideas respectively. The AP ROPM Team will now meticulously assess these contributions for further validation and development, marking the next step in AP’s quest for innovative solutions.
2. Board Game-Style of Planning
The first part of the planning session involved a board game with cards, dice, and a pawn. In addition, facilitators used a combination of effects, visual aids, content resources as well as a series of guide questions to activate thinking on the potential impact of scenarios to the company, the Group, and the whole country. This style proved to be fun and engaging for participants, as they came up with different ways to take advantage of opportunism and manage threatening situations.
3. Seeing new perspectives
Team Members from different AP business units and teams came together during the workshops with one common goal, which is to pool their expertise and perspectives, transcending structural boundaries. As they exchanged ideas and tackled challenges together, they not only expanded their professional networks but also broadened their horizons, gaining new perspectives that improved their approach to problem-solving.
4. Discovering the value of Synergy across the Aboitiz Group
Speaking of coming together – amid the array of ideas presented, a key advantage emerged: the power of synergy across the Aboitiz Group. Rather than confining their ideas to the Power industry, participants embraced a broader perspective, envisioning collaborations with Aboitiz InfraCapital, Aboitiz Food Group, Aboitiz Construction, and even beyond the Group. This shift exemplified a profound understanding that synergy extends far beyond individual departments within Aboitiz Power.
5. AP among top power companies for risk and crisis management
Highlighting AP’s exemplary ESG risk management practices, JP Cordero, Risk and Business Continuity Specialist from the ROPM Team revealed at the end of the program that Aboitiz Power Corporation ranked 7th among over 259 rated global power companies according to the S&P Global 2023 Corporate Sustainability Assessment Results. It also secured the 4th position among more than 116 rated power companies in Asia Pacific region, and clinched the top spot among rated PH companies in terms of Governance and Economic Dimensions. This outstanding achievement underscores AP’s leadership in the field.
The S&P Global ESG Score measures a company’s performance on and management of material ESG risks, opportunities, and impacts informed by a combination of company disclosures, media and stakeholder analysis, modeling approaches, and in-depth company engagement via the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA).
The rollout of Contingency Planning Workshops further underscores AP’s commitment to continuous improvement and proactive risk management. By anticipating and mitigating challenges early on, AP is poised to maintain its position as an industry leader, fostering resilience and adaptability within the organization.
Navigating headwinds through readiness
With spirits ignited and creativity unleashed, both workshops concluded on a promising note. Armed with a newfound perspective and a trove of inventive ideas, participants departed the events with a renewed sense of purpose.
More importantly, the experience left participants with positive energy, particularly in terms of their readiness to face looming threats. Participants also practiced some of the Aboitiz A+10 Behaviors, including being Open, Entrepreneurial, Synergetic, Innovative, and Purpose-Driven.
“A great and valuable learning experience as a whole. This exercise really measured the preparedness of both our department and myself. This exercise also helped identify our weakness, highlighting areas that need improvement, allowing us to enhance our contingency plans and procedures.”
—Winston Tapiz, OTNS Security and Compliance Officer, AboitizPower DU
“[This is an] Effective approach to generate valuable ideas in times of crisis. It also encourages a collaborative environment where Team Members across multiple departments can share their expertise. A great opportunity to improve relationships with fellow TMs across different BUs.”
—Brayan Camay, Digital Transformation Manager, Distribution Finance Group
“The contingency planning workshop allowed us to engage and share different ideas, thoughts, and other perspectives. It helped us to elevate our critical thinking in case a crisis strikes in terms of how to deal with the crisis and leverage it to our advantage.”
—Lemuel Mori, Distribution Network Engineer, CLPC
The Transformation Team is thrilled to collaborate as partners in empowering A-People across the Group with a future-ready mindset and equipping them with essential tools for effective contingency planning. Together, we are charting a course towards a more innovative and impactful future, where each member of our team plays a pivotal role in achieving our Techglomerate aspirations.
