PJ Lhuillier, Inc. (PJLI), the parent company of the largest and leading microfinance center in the country, Cebuana Lhuillier, has been awarded the prestigious Gold accreditation from Investors in People (IiP), a globally recognized benchmark for excellence in people management. This achievement highlights PJLI’s unwavering commitment to fostering a work environment that prioritizes employee well-being, professional development, and continuous growth.
Building upon its Bronze accreditation in 2019, PJLI has steadily advanced through rigorous assessments and ongoing enhancements to reach this Gold standard. Regular evaluations every 12 and 24 months, coupled with expert insights from IiP, have played a crucial role in refining the company’s people management strategies. This accreditation stands as a testament to PJLI’s dedication to empowering employees and cultivating a culture of excellence.
“Our people have always been at the heart of our success. Achieving the Gold accreditation from Investors in People is a validation of our relentless efforts to provide an environment where our employees can thrive. We will continue to invest in our people, ensuring that PJLI remains a benchmark for exceptional workplace culture,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of PJ Lhuillier, Inc.
The Gold accreditation reflects PJLI’s well-rounded approach to people management, encompassing leadership, performance, learning and development, and employee engagement. The company has strengthened awareness of its corporate values, restructured the HR team into a shared services, center of expertise and HR business partner, and transitioned IT operations from Waterfall to Agile methodologies. Open communication is fostered through initiatives such as “Kumustahan” sessions, ensuring employees have a voice and remain connected to the organization’s mission.
To enhance performance management, PJLI utilizes CebPRO, a robust system that enables year-round evaluations, regular check-ins, and 360-degree feedback. This structured approach ensures transparency, alignment with business objectives, and continuous employee growth—key factors recognized by IiP in awarding PJLI the Gold accreditation.
At the core of Cebuana Lhuillier’s commitment to employee development is the Cebuana Lhuillier Academy, a state-of-the-art learning facility in Antipolo. The Academy provides comprehensive training programs, equipping employees with the leadership and technical skills necessary to excel in the competitive financial services industry. Supporting this is the Cebuana Lhuillier Academy Online (CLAO), a flexible and accessible digital learning platform designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce. By offering professional development opportunities that employees can access anytime and anywhere, CLAO embodies Cebuana Lhuillier’s forward-thinking approach to capability-building—one of the critical aspects that helped secure the Gold accreditation.
Employee engagement and workplace collaboration are further strengthened through PJLI’s People Center in Makati, a central hub that fosters professional growth and employee support. Additionally, Workvivo, PJLI’s internal social collaboration platform, has enhanced connectivity across its nationwide workforce, reinforcing company culture and operational agility. With over 12,000 employees nationwide, these initiatives have been pivotal in cultivating a unified, engaged, and high-performing workforce—aligning with the Gold accreditation’s criteria of excellence in employee experience and organizational development.
“This Gold accreditation is a reflection of our strong commitment to people development and continuous improvement. At PJLI, we believe that investing in our employees translates to long-term business success. We are proud of this milestone and remain focused on further enhancing our people strategies,” said Jo-Ann Tacorda, Chief Administrative Officer of PJ Lhuillier, Inc.
Looking ahead, PJLI remains dedicated to continuous improvement in people management. A comprehensive review is scheduled at the end of the year to identify new opportunities for growth and innovation, ensuring that PJLI continues to set the standard as an employer of choice. The Gold accreditation serves not only as recognition of past achievements but also as motivation to further elevate employee engagement, performance, and professional development across the organization.
