As schools resume in-person classes, City of Dreams Manila (COD) imbibes the spirit of bayanihan, launching a Brigada Eskwela drive at Dr. Arcadio Santos National High School in Parañaque City, in support of the local government’s educational thrust. Led by Property President Geoff Andres, the integrated resort’s executives and team members kicked off the project in August, with a target to refurbish 20 classrooms by the end of September. Working in teams, the volunteers took to cleaning, repainting, and carpentry of classrooms and hallways to ensure a conducive space for learning. The property also donated cabinets to augment the school’s facilities.
Employee Love and CSR volunteerism
Encouraging volunteerism mirrors COD 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,” Property President Geoff Andres said.
Besides Brigada Eskwela, COD Manila conducts various corporate social responsibility programs supported by the strong spirit of volunteerism among colleagues. Already 22 outreach programs participated in by 675 volunteer employees from March to August this year were conducted, benefitting disadvantaged communities. Among the beneficiaries to date 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 offered to some 4,000 employees, including a competitive compensation program that amounts to an average monthly wage that is 106% higher than the monthly nominal wage data of P14,820. COD Manila is also the first 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% of the initial maximum benefit limit in case of critical illness.
A valued benefit is the 50% discount dining privilege in the restaurants operated by the resort and in the three hotels at City of Dreams Manila, and unlimited buffet meals at the team members’ dining room when on duty.
COD Manila also offers various 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 in eCornell courses as part of managerial development program of Melco Resorts & Leisure Inc., the owning and management company of COD Manila.
‘Employee Love’ was also in full display during the pandemic, when COD Manila went above and beyond to take care of its workforce. Despite headwinds caused by COVID-19, the company extended a generous 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% of month’s salary for one month, 50% for three months, and 30% thereafter. It advanced 50% of 2020’s 13th month pay in mid-year to help with the families’ school enrollments and granted an unexpected 14th month/loyalty bonus from 2020 to 2022. For their health protection, the company administered Moderna 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.
In recognizing the employee-centered culture, Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) also conferred on the integrated resort with the global 2022 ‘Work Here, Work Happy’ accolade. COD Manila is recognized for its creative ways to attract and retain staff, and maintain work-life balance programs driven by 10 Core Promises, as it also remains to be the property 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.
With the last quarter of the year drawing near, City of Dreams Manila approaches 2023 with the goal of strengthening its varied programs to push forward the Employee Love. As with the other properties of the resort’s parent company Melco Resorts & Entertainment (Melco), City of Dreams Manila thrives on the ethos that the best service requires the foundation of a strong people culture flourishing on an inclusive, diverse, and healthy work environment, with culture of excellence at its core.
