The Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) believes that an Authority run by motivated and valued employees is the key to a more productive and efficient functioning. The employees serve as the face, the voice, and the heart of operations, and empowering them fosters a long-term success that is reflected back to the Authority.
To put this belief in practice, the Administrative Support Division (ASD) implements several activities all throughout the year to boost the morale and motivation of employees, taking a holistic approach with considerations to their physical, mental, financial, and spiritual well-being. In its simplest form, PRA holds monthly salo-salo for all employees where everyone gets a free lunch through a packed bento box. Concurrently, the division schedules a holy mass every first Friday of the month, to cater for the spiritual wellness of the employees, and to celebrate the birthdays of employees for the month.
The division also holds programs for various events; one of which was for Valentine's Day, with the theme "Please be Careful with my Heart: Post-Valentine Celebration of Philippine Retirement Authority." The programs were conducted to allow the employees to recuperate from their daily routine even for a short period of time and to allow them to mingle with their colleagues as a means of building connections and encouraging collaborations. The program involved performances of employees from different departments and divisions, fun-filled games with enjoyable prizes, and a sing-along session for everyone to enjoy.
In addition to these, ASD spearheaded the participation of the Authority in the inter-agency sportsfest initiated by the Department of Tourism (DOT) on May 14, 2024. The involvement of PRA employees in this activity was deemed essential by the division as it paralleled the goal of the Authority of improving the holistic well-being of the employees, specifically their physical and mental wellness, which this event had brought upon. Around seventy (70) employees were enjoined to participate in the event, finishing at a favorable spot as fourth (4th) placers. The division used half of the prize to hold a pizza party for all employees, while the other half was distributed among the players and cheerers.
Aside from programs and activities, the ASD also placed emphasis on the importance of recognizing and rewarding top performing employees for their contribution and invaluable work. At the start of the year, several Job Order Personnel were awarded during the flag ceremony to acknowledge their remarkable work for the previous contract period, and to set a benchmark for other employees to aspire to. The division believed that this practice cultivates a culture of excellence within the Authority as it sends out a clear message that high performance would not be left unnoticed, encouraging all employees to strive for excellence in their work.
Loyalty awards were also given to regular employees who have been with PRA for at least ten (10) years. This was to celebrate employees who have demonstrated commitment and dedication to the Authority over a significant period, and to reinforce a culture where loyalty and hard work were valued. All awardees were recognized during the flag ceremony, awarded with a loyalty watch worth 10,000php and a monetary incentive amounting to 10,000php.
Overall, recognition of top performers and committed employees enabled the Authority to maintain high levels of motivation, retention, and productivity, while fostering a positive and supportive work environment and culture. The Administrative Support Division (ASD) continuously strives to promote a better workplace for everyone, thus, providing avenues where employees can have increased motivation, inspired collaboration, and improved interactions.