In recognition of the company’s efforts to promote competitiveness and entrepreneurship development as a source of sustainable economic growth, PHILUSA Corporation has been recognized in the Corporate Excellence category of the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards (APEA) 2019 last November 22 at Shangri-La The Fort Manila.
The APEA 2019 is organized by Enterprise Asia, a non-governmental organization that aims to create an Asia that is rich in entrepreneurship as an engine towards sustainable and progressive economic and social development. APEA prides itself as the oldest business awards program in Asia, buoyed by Enterprise Asia’s reputation as the region’s leading non-government organization in the field of business.
RECOGNIZING PHILIPPINE BRAND EXCELLENCE
For the 13th year of the Philippine leg of the APEA, more than 300 entrepreneurs across the span of over 15 industries gathered to cultivate a culture of honest, fair and responsible entrepreneurship. The 2019 theme focuses on inclusive development and sustainable entrepreneurship. This year, PHILUSA shares the grand stage in the spotlight along with 15 other companies in the Corporate Excellence category, a proof of the company’s commitment to serve generations of Filipinos with quality products that they need in their day-to-day life.
PHILUSA Corporation is a 100% Filipino-owned corporation engaged in marketing and distributing world-class quality and affordable personal care, baby care, home care and health and wellness products. It has distinguished itself by competing and thriving in two highly competitive industries, Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and Pharmaceutical — both traditionally dominated by big multinational and local companies.
SIX DECADES OF TRAILBLAZING MILESTONES
For the past 62 years, PHILUSA has consistently displayed its steadfast commitment to the Filipino family, in response to the trust and patronage it enjoys from the multiple generations that have remained loyal to the brand. The company achieved market leadership in cotton wools and buds (Cleene and Babyflo brands), wound management / plaster strips (MEDIPLAST brand), petroleum jelly (Apollo brand), toilet deodorizer (Albatross brand), sink declogger (Gleam brand), household cleaners (Apollo and Gleam brands), and cooling gel (Koolfever brand).
In support of the Philippine government’s Universal Health Care Law/Program, PHILUSA launched RHEA Generics, a uni-brand of innovative generics medicines developed in partnership with global leaders in the pharmaceutical industry. RHEA Generics has partnered with Pfizer, Sanofi, GSK, Otsuka, Merck and Fresenius Kabi to bring affordable and high-quality generic medicines to Filipinos. Its wide portfolio of world-class quality medicines are exclusively available in all Mercury Drug stores.
For the company as a whole, PHILUSA has exhibited stellar growth rate of more than 50%, that was achieved in just five short years. PHILUSA was also recently hailed as one of the Best Performing Companies in Asia in the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability Awards 2019 — the first-ever international and major award of the company.
CHANGING LIVES, ONE PINOY AT A TIME
At the heart of PHILUSA is a vibrant corporate social responsibility (CSR) program aimed at making a positive impact in the life of people and uplifting the conditions of beneficiary communities, thru sustained collaboration with non-government organizations and corporate partners.
To promote proper hygiene and clean sanitation practices, PHILUSA donated handwashing and drinking facilities to a school in cooperation with the Manila Water Foundation’s Lingap Program. PHILUSA is also an active participant in the annual observance of Global Handwashing Day, World Oral Health Day, and World Toilet Day.
To improve the healthcare of Filipinos, the company worked closely with Mercury Drug Foundation’s Operation Bigay Lunas, a nationwide medical mission and outreach program that benefits hundreds of marginalized communities. In addition, PHILUSA regularly donates various medicines and other products to the Cares Foundation of the Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association of the Philippines.
During PHILUSA’s 60th anniversary in 2016, employees took part in building houses for a selected Gawad Kalinga community. As a sign of paying goodwill forward, every company anniversary, PHILUSA employees have made voluntary financial donations to a selected charitable institution or foundation.
Through the years, PHILUSA has made significant strides and the most recent APEA 2019 award is a clear evidence of how responsible corporate citizenry can be harnessed to make a lasting difference to the quality of life of Filipino families — both here and abroad.