GOD AT WORK

WHY SCPA?

I remember the day of my final interview at SCPA. I was scheduled at 10am and intended to leave home in San Pedro by 8am. I was ready to go by 7, thought I might arrive too early, but I left anyway. On top of the usual December traffic, especially in SuBic (Sucat-Bicutan) area, there were lots of road construction happening at that time. I arrived 11am and I couldn’t believe it! The entire time on the road made me ponder about this opportunity real deep! I was prayerfully telling God, “this might not be the most practical and sustainable for me, but as always, let Your will prevail.”

I carefully looked at every framed document hanged on the lobby and office walls. I read each article which covers common themes: God is faithful, He is gracious, and Jesus is Lord. All of the company’s victories, even blessings-disguised-in-tragedies, were all displayed to give God the highest glory. It felt like seeing the view from the summit after a tiring hike – and there, I was offered an opportunity to stay. I knew it’s not a common workplace. I knew it’s not just another job offer. I was offered a key to a wonderful home with a wonderful family. Of course I took it! 

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

I think witnessing the Sio family’s relationship with each other was remarkable. My first encounter with each of them is vivid in my memory. On my first day, RCS approached me and shook my hand to welcome me. BMS was also very warm as she stated, “sana marami pa tayong ma-improve sa company” with an approachable smile on her face. LMS spent an entire day onboarding me. That spoke so much about her involvement and leadership. When I attended my very first town hall meeting, VMS gave a short speech to welcome 2020. He ended with a verse quoting Psalm 127:1, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain.” 

Those moments were powerful because I feel like those authenticated every article I read about them. It’s about 10 months now since I joined SCPA and I am not only witnessing consistency in their family, I see how they continue to strive to serve God better and better.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MISSION

I know majority of the Filipinos, though naturally hygienic, consider tissue products as luxury. During the pandemic, I’ve seen how so many people tried to squeeze in our products in their budgets because of their love for their families. I feel proud that SCPA tries its best to provide high quality products at various price points reaching as much families as we can. It’s not just another profit-driven company. I see how it exists to provide value to our people – both its employees and customers. I see how we are true to our mantra: “great love for what we do and the people we do it for.”

MOST VALUABLE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Among the many, i think humility and stewardship stand out the most. Humility is so much evident. I never sensed any entitlement from the owners. They listen to their people and they work the hardest! It’s so humbling to experience our core value service first hand where they believe “heads are always first to serve, not the first being served”.

Stewardship is the next most impressive thing. I remember I told LMS that even though we are an FMCG, very corporate setting, what I find really different is how i feel like i am under parents, not bosses. I feel like i am being intentionally raised, i am being taught, disciplined. Asking for budgets doesn’t feel transactional. It feels like asking money from parents where you have to justify and give sound reasons why you need it and you’ll be held responsible for its results. I like how good stewardship is being passed on. I also appreciate how a lot of things are done internally rather than outsourced. I find it very wise and resourceful. It teaches me that not because we can afford it, we shouldn’t think of cheaper and better ways to get it. I think it’s out of that discipline that we get more innovative and creative. It’s easier to spend than to think, but growth is in the latter.

SCPA VALUES

Service 

The culture of service in SCPA is far exceeding expectations. The intention of the management to serve its people is so concrete and authentic. They pray for us, they give us vitamins, they educate us about everything from health to emotional intelligence with so many in-betweens, they draw us closer to Jesus, they journey with our challenges - the allowances, transportation support, food for those who go to the office, and the random “how are yous” - they mean so much!

Christ-centered Principles

I go to work at 6am so i always get to hear it when production starts their devotion before work at about 6:30. They sing songs of worship and lift each other up in prayer which i find so inspiring and refreshing. At 8am, everybody in the office pauses to pray. Hearing my co-employees pray for the owners, for our drivers, for our factory workers and for everyone is so impactful. 

The Bible studies, mentioning of verses in meetings or trainings, our corporate time of prayer, those speak so much of our dependency on God and not on our own strengths. I see it across the levels in the organization which makes it even more compelling.

Passion

If you read our definition on paper it says, “do work and do it well”; if you experience it in person it would look like taking 7 Habits, learning to appreciate films through Cinematuto, taking The CliftonStrengths assessment to know what and how to effectively use your strengths, reading books, accessing library of Masterclasses and reading materials, being coached and trained through Action Learning and various learning and development sessions, attending NutraTalks to understand how to better take care of your health, and ultimately, getting to know God who transforms, strengthens, and sustains.

Accountability

When it comes to accountability, I appreciate how we practice transparency and responsibility as an organization. I see how successes and failures are shared. Every time VMS goes live to update the entire company, I see how he involves us and how involved he is in us. When they say, “don’t let your team down”, they are the first to comply.

ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE

I wish there are words enough to express how grateful I am to be here with all of you for such a time as this. It’s an understatement to say that 2020 has been difficult for all of us. Personally, it’s by far the most difficult year for me and my family. I may have not sailed with Noah’s ark during the time of the storm, but that story never resonated with me as much as until i joined this company. You are the modern version of Noah’s ark to me. I experience His rescue, His faithfulness, His grace, His love through you. I am confident of our tomorrow because I know that the same God who has sent them rainbow, is the same God we entrust our work with today. Happy anniversary, SCPA!