May 13, 2025
Franklin Baker Company of the Philippines continues its strong momentum in operational excellence, with its Diamond Plant in Darong, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur securing the prestigious The Outstanding Workers of the Republic (TOWER) Award for the second consecutive year. Its Emerald Plant in Coronon, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, also joins the celebration, earning its first-ever win, marking a milestone in the company’s drive for innovation and sustainability.
The Diamond Plant in Darong earned the honor for the second consecutive year, thanks to a pioneering project led by wastewater operators Mark Felnor Butaya, Michael Norman Dasalla, and Ronald Quinones. Their initiative, titled “Waste Isn’t Waste Until We Waste It,” significantly reduced the plant’s chemical usage in its wastewater treatment process—resulting in improved workplace safety and PHP 12 million in savings from 2022 to 2024.
For the first time, the Emerald Plant in Coronon joins the ranks of TOWER Award recipients. Employees Elsworth “Aragoy” Gempesaw and Krish Syrus Micabato of the Nut Receiving Section led winning initiatives which successfully lowered the plant’s nut rejection rate from 6% to just 1%. The structured improvement program not only reduced waste but also significantly enhanced raw material quality and operational efficiency.
Beyond external recognition, these awards also highlight Franklin Baker’s strong culture of employee empowerment and continuous improvement, fostering innovation at all levels and driving productivity gains across its operations.
The TOWER Awards ceremony was held on May 1, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center in Manila. Organized by the Rotary Club of Manila, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), the annual event celebrates the achievements of outstanding non-supervisory Filipino workers—both blue-collar and white-collar—who contribute significantly to innovation, productivity, and excellence in the workplace.
