Japan Tobacco International’s (JTI) local unit was ranked the nation’s best employer by the Top Employers Institute, marking the first time the company has taken the top spot in the annual rankings.

The certification, announced Feb. 1, follows a year where JTI Philippines reported 100 percent ratings across nearly all audit categories, including business strategy, ethics, and work environment.

The company, which has spent five consecutive years on the list, is one of 14 JTI branches globally to achieve a No. 1 ranking this year.

The recognition comes as JTI continues to consolidate its position as the fastest-growing tobacco player in the country.

“Now that we are named No. 1 Top Employer, we have demonstrated that we continue to improve our work environment and that we truly champion our employees’ wellbeing,” said Ari Wisnubroto, People and Culture Director at JTI Philippines.

Central to the company’s human resources strategy is a gender-neutral family leave policy that provides 20 weeks of fully paid leave to all new parents.

Wisnubroto also cited flexible work arrangements and a focus on diversity and inclusion as drivers for employee retention and performance.

The Philippine operations play a critical role in JTI’s regional strategy, particularly as the company expands its footprint in the reduced-risk category with its Ploom heated tobacco products.

JTI also operates a global business services hub in Taguig City, which supports its international operations.

While the government has aggressively hiked tobacco taxes—with JTI’s best-selling Camel and Mighty brands seeing price adjustments in recent cycles to cover excise increases—the company’s local revenues have remained resilient.

Globally, JTI was certified as a Top Employer in 50 countries for 2026. The Top Employers Institute evaluates companies based on a “People Practices Survey” covering six HR domains and 20 topics, ranging from digital HR to sustainability.