ORANI, Bataan—PNOC associates convened on July 2-4, 2025 to align and sharpen strategies as the company charts the coming years to fulfill its vision of becoming a strategic niche player in the Philippine energy sector.
Dubbed the Mid-Year Rally, the event combined team-based challenges, motivational sessions, and values-based reflections, equipping the workforce with a deeper sense of commitment and camaraderie.
Framed around Formula 1 racing theme, the rally featured two major competitions where teams proposed forward-looking initiatives to meet PNOC’s strategic objectives and forecast its future businesses, culture, and impact. Teams presented future-focused strategies, created AI-powered videos, pitched new performance metrics, and answered questions from President and CEO Oliver B. Butalid, together with Board Directors Joel R. Caminade, Victor Emmanuel S. Dato, and Atty. Maria Jasmine S. Oporto.
In his remarks, PCEO Butalid reflected on his first year in office. He shared three core insights drawn from his leadership journey and the company’s ongoing transformation: Clarity creates confidence. Decisions drive direction. Excellence over excuses.
He emphasized that without clarity, individuals tend to become reactive, easily distracted, and lose focus. One of his first priorities was to define PNOC’s strategic role, which eventually led to the formulation of the new vision, mission, and strategy map. On decision-making, he highlighted the importance of conserving energy for high-impact choices and avoiding burnout from overthinking minor matters. He underscored that indecision and procrastination come with real costs. Finally, he called for a culture of accountability, one that favors action and thoughtful risk-taking over maintaining the status quo.
“When we fight for excuses, we are fighting for status quo. It’s time we embrace a mindset that is willing to chart a new path in a prudent way. The game is not to stay still to avoid mistakes, but to move forward with intention and mitigating measures to manage any risks that come with it,” he said.
Apart from strategy sessions, the rally also included personal development activities, where employees shared stories of their strengths, struggles, and sense of purpose through creative “coat of arms” presentations.
Motivational speaker Lord Pomperada also spoke at the event, highlighting lessons from his experience and encouraging participants to lead with courage and consistency. “If you can change your habits, you can change your life. Everything that you do contributes to the PNOC vision and mission,” he noted.
With clear direction and reinforced alignment, PNOC enters the second half of the year ready to execute its strategies, sustain momentum, and deliver on its mandate as a key player in the energy sector.
