The world abounds with selfless people who make the world a better place. They are heroes in their own right. They are present everywhere, making someone else’s life more bearable—and the workplace is no exception.

Gerson Rial De Torres is a Key Outlet Manager and a Braveheart Hero at Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc (PCPPI)—the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country. The responsibilities that accompany his role are quite vital. This makes him a part of the company’s front-line troop. He regularly communicates with distributors carrying PCPPI’s family of brands. He ensures these outlets will achieve their distribution, volume, and profit targets amid the ongoing sugar shortage that affects beverage makers in the country.

“I communicate to them the direction of our company. We try all possible ways to help them promote and sell our products to consumers by offering better deals and options,” he said.

Gerson also helped beyond the call of his duty during the height of the pandemic. Some people may have seen this achievement as inspiring. Still, he maintained a humble, down-to-earth demeanor.

“I do try to help my colleagues if I have my means, but I did not think of it as playing a hero. During the pandemic, I offered rides to non-sales employees who do not have a service vehicle,” he said.

“In truth, we are all heroes because we fight life's challenges every day. I believe everyone is willing to help others in any way they can. There is a hero inside of everyone,” he continued.

Workplace hero

For his part, Rey Zaportiza is another inspiring workplace hero worthy of praise. He works as a Sales Manager at PCPPI. His responsibilities include setting, executing, and monitoring plans to help the company achieve its performance goals.

With the receding supply of food-grade carbon dioxide, Rey works hard to ensure sales and distribution push forward.

“It is very hard during these times. I always remind my colleagues that we should give our 100% dedication and commitment because the company compensated the employees well despite the pandemic and other situations,” he said.

When typhoon Odette ravaged Surigao Del Norte last year, Rey also went out of his way to bolster the operation of Pepsi Sales Office.

“Since the operators and DCRs spent their time repairing their houses, my team and I covered the areas for three months. This is to avoid disruption in the sales operation and distribution of Pepsi products. We slept in our cars as there were no available houses for rent,” he said.

Rey also sacrificed their long-standing tradition of preparing food during Christmas and New Year’s Eve to help families affected by the typhoon.

“I felt pity for the residents’ situation wherein they posted signage saying,’ We need food’. I bought three sacks of rice and three boxes of noodles. We were able to distribute food packs and helped 150 families in Surigao City area,” he said.

“At PCPPI, we recognize acts of everyday heroism of our employees. These heroic acts are deeply empowering as they encourage more helpfulness in the workplace and promote the importance of mutual empathy to achieve a stronger and more inclusive nation. This National Heroes Day and even beyond this day, we recognize our selfless Braveheart heroes,” said PCPPI President and CEO Frederick D. Ong.


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