• COVERSTORY

“I HAD BARELY WARMED MY SEAT," newly appointed Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairperson Atty. Fe B. Barin warmly declared as we greeted her in the reception area of the SEC Chair's office. Berkley/FFI President Alan Michael Rafe matched the SEC Chair's sprightly composure with his signature smile and glow as the courtesy call began.

To many, a courtesy call is a symbol of elbow-rubbing with the bigwigs of the industry. In this case, introductions were the order of the day. The meeting was arranged to introduce Mr. Rafe as the new president of Berkley/FFI and to personally welcome Hon. Barin as the SEC Chair.

For the past years, Berkley/FFI has established a progressive partnership with SEC as the pre-need industry regulator. This mutual alliance has grown throughout the years as credibility and sincerity have been formed as the primary focus of both entities.

SEC has been instrumental in the growth of Berkley/FFI as it continues to support the company's cause of giving our customers options to secure a bright future. The Commission is very much aware of the company's capabilities in fulfilling its obligations to you, our clients. This has certainly gone a long way in forging our strong relations with SEC, a testament to the recognition that the Philippine Government accords to companies like Berkley and Family First which are, in more ways than one, partners of the Government in nation-building. Accompanying Mr. Rafe on the courtesy call is Berkley/FFI EVP & Chief Financial Officer Mr. Daniel L. Villanueva. The meeting proved to be fruitful as all three spent quite an ample amount of time discussing the financial strength of Berkley and its growth and expansion plans in the next couple of years, among other things.

Meetings like this with the regulators show the sincerity of Berkley/FFI in opening communication lines that would, in the end, pave the way for improved products and services for you and the public-at-large. - T.R. Lariosa

More than just a handshake. A partnership formed during the fruitful courtesy call. Photo shows (from left) SEC Chair Fe Barin, BIP/FFI President Alan M. Rafe and BIP/FFI EVP-CFO Daniel L. Villanueva.