TAGUIG CITY, Metro Manila— As part of PNOC’s learning and development program, the company hosted its first business seminar, Entrepreneurial Insights, on January 17, 2025, featuring the inspiring agribusiness journey of Mr. Alvin Hing, Chairperson and CEO of Excelsior Farms, Inc.
Senior Vice President for Energy Investments Rowena Raymundo opened the seminar, emphasizing the importance of fostering entrepreneurship within the company noting, “Entrepreneurship is not just about starting businesses; it’s about creativity, resilience, and adaptability.” She encouraged employees to think beyond their current roles and embrace innovation to help PNOC navigate the rapidly evolving energy landscape.
During the talk, Hing, who also serves as the President and CEO of PHL Cebu Poultry Farm Corp., Eggcelsior Poultry Farms Inc., and PHL EcoGreen, shared his experiences in establishing the largest nucleus breeder farm for pigs. Despite facing challenges such as African Swine Fever, he stated, “Data-driven decision-making and continuous learning were critical to our success.” Hing noted that these principles can be applied to any industry, including energy, to address complex challenges.
Established in 2017, Eggcelsior Poultry Farms is another testament to Hing’s visionary leadership. Spanning 16 hectares, the farm is equipped with tunnel-ventilated buildings and automated egg collection systems. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company overcame logistical challenges to ensure a steady supply of fresh eggs. With an annual production capacity of 130 million eggs, Eggcelsior has opened 30 retail stores across Cebu and formed partnerships with major food chains and supermarkets.
Hing also underscored the importance of investing in technology, which has allowed his businesses to stay ahead in a highly competitive market. He highlighted Eggcelsior’s reliance on automation and digital systems as a key factor in its success. Building on this approach to success, Hing shared his commitment to employee growth. With a workforce of over 500, his companies prioritize professional and personal development, teamwork, and innovation. He encouraged PNOC employees to see themselves as key contributors to their organization’s success, emphasizing the value of collaboration and adaptability.
“While profit is, of course, a primary goal in any business, there is an unmatched fulfillment in reaching a point where you can start giving back to the community. That’s when success becomes truly meaningful,” Hing said, reminding attendees of the broader impact businesses can have when they prioritize purpose alongside profit.
PNOC President and CEO Oliver Butalid wrapped up the forum by drawing parallels between Hing’s story and PNOC’s mission, highlighting similarities between challenges in the agricultural and energy sectors. He also noted the importance of PNOC’s ongoing digital transformation agenda, which mirrors Hing’s approach of leveraging technology to drive growth and overcome challenges. PNOC is making significant progress towards the completion of its digital transformation goals. A key component of this initiative is improving data sharing through online and digital platforms, alongside the integration of AI technologies to further enhance operational efficiency and responsiveness.
Butalid likewise stressed the need for PNOC to transition from resource management to actively investing in impactful projects, using Hing’s risk-taking and niche-focused approach as a model. “We are a business organization, and we exist to do business. Opportunities to earn are essential because that is why we were established. We are an investment company for energy,” he stated, underscoring how digital transformation and innovation are critical in navigating the future of the energy sector.
As PNOC works to redefine its role as “the energy company for Filipinos”—focusing on key segments such as geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, government entities, and investors—Butalid emphasized the importance of being customer-centric, data-driven, and entrepreneurial in addressing energy challenges and creating opportunities for growth.
