ANGEL THOUGHTS
As schools resume in-person classes, City of Dreams Manila showcased the spirit of bayanihan, with a Brigada Eskwela drive at Dr. Arcadio Santos National High School in Parañaque City. Usually the annual clean-up in public schools is done by the parents of the students, but this time the initiative was led by the property’s president, Geoff Andres with his executives and team members.
Working in teams, the volunteers took to refurbishing the classrooms and hallways and donating cabinets to augment the school’s facilities.
Encouraging volunteerism mirrors City of Dreams Manila’s “Employee Love” program, which focuses not only on maintaining a people-centric workplace for the wellbeing and development of its team members but also in creating opportunities for them to engage in service to society and inspire positive change.
“We believe this is the right thing to do. We are in the business not only of delivering exceptional gaming, hospitality, and entertainment services to our guests, but to be a good corporate citizen striving to inspire and make a difference in the lives of our colleagues, the communities we work with, and the environment,” Andres said.
Besides Brigada Eskwela, City of Dreams Manila conducts various corporate social responsibility programs. With the relaxation of community quarantines, some 22 outreach programs participated in by 675 volunteer employees from March to August have benefitted disadvantaged communities. Among the beneficiaries are Bahay Aruga (Parañaque), Kanlungan sa ErMa (Malate), Children’s Joy Foundation, and Reception & Study Center for Children (Quezon City), Kids with Purpose (Las Piñas), and Philippine Red Cross through the company-wide quarterly blood donation drive held onsite.
The all-encompassing “Employee Love” has also brought benefits to some 4,000 employees, including a competitive compensation program considered to be one of the best in the industry that amounts to an average monthly wage that is 106 percent higher than the monthly nominal wage data. City of Dreams is also the first and only integrated resort in the country to offer a second layer insurance coverage for both team members and their enrolled dependents, amounting to up to 100 percent of the initial maximum benefit limit in case of critical illness. A valued benefit is the 50 percent discount dining privilege at the restaurants operated by the resort and at its three hotels, and unlimited buffet meals at the team members’ dining room when on duty.
The integrated resort also offers free learning programs at the company’s online learning academy, Melco Absorb for the professional and personal growth of its employees. Qualified managers are enrolled for free in eCornell courses as part of managerial development program of Melco Resorts & Leisure Inc., the owning and management company of City of Dreams.
“Employee Love” was also in full bloom during the pandemic, when the company looked after its workforce. The company extended financial assistance to those who were unable to work during the pandemic lockdowns, through paid leaves from April 2020 to December 2021, starting at 100 percent of monthly salary for one month, 50 percent for three months, and 30 percent thereafter. It advanced 50 percent of 2020’s 13th month pay in mid-year to help with school enrollents and granted an unexpected 14th month/loyalty bonus from 2020 to 2022.
For their health protection, the company administered vaccines for free to the employees and their dependents, offered two-way limo service for pregnant colleagues to and from their vaccination sites, while full board and accommodations were provided to those rostered during the lockdowns.
The company also bought oxygen tanks that were lent to team members and their families for home use at the height of the pandemic. They gave free vitamins and administered antigen tests at the company’s cost.
It also has Ugnayan, an employee-management council, which has resulted in the implementation of a harmonious work environment. Since its creation in 2019, Ugnayan has been implementing various programs for its members, such as Damayan death, hospitalization, and calamity financial assistance also for their family members. The employees got free flu vaccines and at a discounted rate for their dependents; free family planning and reproductive health products and programs.
The prestigious Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) conferred on the integrated resort the global 2022 “Work Here, Work Happy” accolade. City of Dreams Manila was recognized for its creative ways to attract and retain staff, and maintain work-life balance programs driven by 10 Core Promises. The property is recognized with the most FTG stars in any resort in the country for its three hotels and spa—Nüwa Manila, Nobu Hotel Manila, Hyatt Regency, and Nüwa Spa.
Complementing the property’s CSR initiatives and “Employee Love” programs are ongoing sustainability undertakings focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency, reduction in water consumption, recycling, digitalization of processes, sustainable sourcing and support to local small and medium enterprises, and implementation of projects colleagues’ welfare project.
City of Dreams Manila's three luxury hotels have also been given the 2022- 2024 ASEAN Green Hotel Award for upholding sustainable tourism through environment-friendly practices and local community involvement. Raise your glasses, Cheers!