"MINT OF BERKLEY & FAMILY FIRST:
GIVING BACK ON A CORPORATE LEVEL"

How does one celebrate success? Is it by throwing a grand party, a posh dinner or an out- of-town excursion? Or would it be more worthwhile to interact with orphans on one Saturday – laughing, eating, playing with them and listening to the different life stories each had to tell?

This might just as well be the question asked of each participant as he or she finishes the Managers-IN-Training (MINT) Program. This unique training, undertaken by Berkley International Plans, Inc. and Family First, Inc., attempts to draw out the finest virtues of human nature and utilize them as tools for effective management.

MINT participants are Berkley and Family First employees who have exhibited great leadership potential and have, thus, been chosen by the company’s top management to undergo two-and-a-half months of rigorous training. They attend lectures and seminars from seasoned and hands-on managers of the company who have proven successful in their respective departments. MINT participants are required to pass oral and written examinations as well. It is a makeshift “masteral” program implemented by the company’s People Development Department to hone the skills of outstanding employees and prepare them for higher management positions.

Unlike other training programs, however, the MINT program caps its curriculum with a trip to the Angel’s Home in Parañaque City. The orphanage, managed by Tita Anquelero, houses close to fifty abandoned and abused children who have found shelter in the presence of volunteers. Angel’s Home has, for twice in a row now, become the venue for the MINT candidates’ final exposure to the values of leadership.

The latest MINT graduates did not only bring with them foodstuff and toys to leave with the children. They also came to stay to be children’s big brother or sister for the day. Though most of the day was spent in fun and frolic, heart-tugging stories of how the children were brought to Angel’s Home did not leave a dry eye in sight.

Berkley’s MINT program is designed to bring with it a multitude of wisdom that no other program could match. It is hoped that the holistic approach employed by the program will mold future leaders of the company into socially responsible leaders – knowing when to take and when to give back.

Attached photo shows the latest MINT batch of Berkley and Family First clowning around with the children at Angel’s Home. They now form the pool of talents from which future senior executives of Berkley and Family First would emerge.

For more information, pls. contact:
Ms. Gina D. Cruz
Corporate Communications Director
Tel. No. 755-1500 loc. 1112