Mondelēz International: Where SHE Leads policies, flexible work, and equal caregiver benefits drive inclusion in the workplace

SHE LEADS THE RIGHT WAY. (from L to R) Mondelēz International’s Plant Director Tanya Lim, Managing Director Aleli Arcilla, and General Counsel Mae Corona guide the organization's journey towards its mission to empower people to snack right.

Mondelēz International in the Philippines is committed to fostering an inclusive working culture.  That commitment can be seen not only in legislation, but also in the people who are leading the way.

Across the business, women are now in positions that were formerly held by men. Aleli Arcilla, the organization's first woman country leader, serves as Managing Director.  Attorney Mae Corona serves as General Counsel, offering strategic assistance throughout the organization.  Tanya Lim, the company's first female Plant Lead, handles manufacturing operations.  Their presence in these positions is not symbolic; it is the outcome of a workplace culture that empowers leaders based on talent rather than gender.

TRAILBLAZER. Managing Director Aleli Arcilla leads the organization as the first female managing director of Mondelēz International in the Philippines.

“Growing up, I didn’t think gender was a barrier. But when I entered sales, I realized how often women were left out of the conversations that matter. There’s a bias that once women become mothers, they’re no longer as committed to their roles. That’s simply not true. Mondelēz International culture recognizes that each person brings something unique. Flexible work, caregiver benefits, and equal leave policies create an environment where people—especially women—don’t have to choose between family and career. That’s what makes the difference. Find your voice. You deserve to be in the room as much as anyone else. And when you’re in that room, don’t forget to help others walk through the door, too.” ~Aleli Arcilla, Managing Director 

Mondelēz International's commitment to inclusiveness is deeply embedded in its structures and procedures.  Workplace flexibility is embedded in the culture, with hybrid arrangements and personal leaves that promote both collaboration and balance.  Parental leave policies go beyond compliance by providing comprehensive benefits for single parents and caregivers, regardless of family structure or birth method.

“For me, the work flexibility at Mondelēz International is priceless. The company has found a good balance between allowing employees to come to the office to meaningfully connect with colleagues and being able to work from home. Like everyone else, I rose from the ranks—starting as a Junior Associate in a law firm, then moving to an in-house role 14 years ago. Becoming the Head of Legal for a multination company had always been my target role, so I kept my eyes on the prize. Everything starts at home. Allowing my daughter to see me in a key position—while still growing and learning every day—matters most to me. Gender doesn’t matter as much as technical skills, emotional intelligence, and authenticity. That’s what leadership is built on.” ~Attorney Mae Corona, General Counsel

Corona’s journey to leadership was defined by clarity of purpose.

Lim’s path was similarly driven by curiosity and commitment. But early on, being heard was a challenge.

Tanya Lim, Plant Lead

“I’ve always had an interest in how things work. Engineering was a natural choice, and from there it became a career. In my earlier days, the issue was getting people to listen. Over time, I proved my capability to lead. The plant runs 24 hours a day and issues don’t follow schedule. Working remotely isn’t an option for my specific role. Mondelēz International has given me equal opportunity and fair treatment, and I’m very grateful for that. I want to keep growing talent and helping others unlock their potential. I also see myself as proof that women can lead in any field they choose. Learn as much as you can and value every experience. Tap into your perseverance and grit—because in this field, problems can be solved, and skills can be learned. What sets you apart is your mindset.” ~Tanya Lim, Plant Lead

More recently, she faced a different kind of balancing act—one shared by many working mothers. What helped, Lim says, is a culture that genuinely values inclusion.

This culture of inclusivity is not limited to gender. Employees with diverse identities and orientations are supported by frameworks that promote fairness, safety, and respect. From mentoring programs to succession planning, the organization makes leadership development inclusive by design.

EYE ON THE PRIZE. Atty. Mae Corona had the ultimate career ambition of one day becoming a legal head of a global organization which she has now realized as the General Counsel of Mondelēz International.

And for the next generation of women in the workplace, these leaders aim to model what’s possible.

Their advice to young women: Stay curious, stay grounded, and stay resilient.

Mondelēz International in the Philippines is to create a workplace where all employees, regardless of gender or background, may contribute and achieve by building systems that meet their requirements.

About Mondelēz International

Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world with 2024 net revenues of approximately $36 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as OREO, belVita and LU biscuits; Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate; Sour Patch Kids candy and Trident gum. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ.

About Mondelez Philippines 

Mondelez Philippines, Inc. has been providing consumers with delicious snack products for the past 62 years - since 1963. Its product portfolio includes Tang powdered beverages, Eden cheese, mayonnaise and sandwich spread, Cheez Whiz spread, Oreo cookies, Tiger energy biscuits, as well as Toblerone and Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolates. The company employs about 450 people in the Philippines, with a manufacturing facility in Parañaque City. Visit https://ph.mondelezinternational.com/home.

Find Your Purpose with Mondelēz International

Mondelēz International in the Philippines recently celebrated its Purpose Day, an annual event dedicated to reinforcing the company’s mission of empowering people to snack right. This year’s celebration, themed #ProudToBeMDLZ, focused on encouraging its employees to make mindful choices in their everyday lives, whether in their snacking habits or their commitment to fitness and well-being. The event was also marked by the conclusion of its internal Walk-Run-Bike-Workout (WRBW) Challenge, a company-wide fitness initiative that saw nearly 100 participants embracing the importance of health alongside mindful snacking.

Aleli Arcilla, Managing Director of Mondelēz International in the Philippines, underscored the connection between snacking and well-being.

“At Mondelēz International, where snacking is at the heart of what we do, it's important to remind ourselves that we must be mindful about our actions. We support making purposeful choices, both in how much we snack and how much time we devote to physical fitness. That’s why we started the WRBW challenge in 2021, at the height of the pandemic. To remind our people that wellness should always be a priority. On this our 3rd year, I am happy to see the commitment of our people to their own wellbeing, something the company greatly supports. It was a day meant for recharging and reconnecting with what drives our people. Mental health is a priority for our Company and we wanted to dedicate day for that, apart from the support provided to our colleagues all year round.” ~Aleli Arcilla, Managing Director of Mondelēz International in the Philippines 

Purpose Day celebrated the conclusion of the WRBW Challenge, which saw impressive results across all categories. A total of twelve million steps were logged in the Walk challenge, more than three thousand kilometers covered in the Run challenge, almost six thousand kilometers completed in the Bike challenge, and a staggering seven hundred thousand calories were burned in the workout portion. This challenge was not just about individual accomplishments but also about fostering a culture of health and well-being within the organization. 

The event highlighted the company’s dedication to Mindful Snacking, an integral part of Mondelēz International’s global leadership in the snacking industry. Employees were reminded of the significance of savoring snacks in a more mindful way—by taking the time to appreciate the flavors, enjoying smaller portions, and making healthier snack choices. These initiatives reflect Mondelēz International’s ongoing effort to promote eating snacks with attention and intention to have a more satisfying snacking experience and avoid overindulgence. 

Another standout initiative of Purpose Day was the celebration of "Find Your Purpose Day" last October 4—a free day for employees to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with their personal purpose. By providing employees with a dedicated day to rest and focus on what drives them, the Company is fostering both professional and personal growth in support of World Mental Health Day this October. 

As a global leader in the snacking industry, Mondelēz International continues to champion a culture where its employees live more mindfully, making balanced choices in both their professional and personal lives. The success of Purpose Day, combined with the WRBW Challenge, demonstrates the company’s commitment to making the right snacks, for the right moment and made the right way. This dedication has been recognized with Mondelēz International’s recent induction into the HR Asia Hall of Fame, celebrating its status as one of the Best Companies to Work for in Asia for the fifth consecutive year.  

About Mondelēz International

Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world with 2023 net revenues of approximately $36 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as OREO, belVita and LU biscuits; Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate; Sour Patch Kids candy and Trident gum. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ.

About Mondelez Philippines 

Mondelez Philippines, Inc. has been providing consumers with delicious snack products for the past 61 years - since 1963. Its product portfolio includes Tang powdered beverages, Eden cheese, mayonnaise and sandwich spread, Cheez Whiz spread, Oreo cookies, Tiger energy biscuits, as well as Toblerone and Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolates. The company employs about 450 people in the Philippines, with a manufacturing facility in Parañaque City. Visit https://ph.mondelezinternational.com/home

Mondelēz International Enters HR Asia Awards Hall of Fame

Mondelēz International in the Philippines has been awarded the prestigious Gold Harmonia Award at the HR Asia Awards 2024. This solidifies its position in the Hall of Fame as one of the Best Companies to Work for in Asia, under the Philippines Chapter. This marks the fifth consecutive year that Mondelēz International in the Philippines has received this honor and is a significant milestone that reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace environment.

A Legacy of Growth and Excellence

The HR Asia Awards recognized Mondelēz International for its steadfast dedication to cultivating an environment that not only drives business success but also prioritizes the growth and well-being of its employees and partners. Central to this success are initiatives that focus on three key pillars: Growing the business, Growing its partners, and Growing its people. These pillars serve as the foundation for Mondelēz International’s everyday goals, ensuring that every aspect of the organization is aligned with its vision to empower people to snack right. 

A cornerstone of this achievement has been the implementation of robust leadership programs, such as the Leadership Council, which plays a crucial role in shaping the company’s culture. This council has been instrumental in promoting a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and high performance, empowering employee leaders to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s goals. 

Leadership in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

Mondelēz International also prides itself as a company that takes a stand in creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DEI) workplace. For both current and potential employees, aspects of culture and employment have been evaluated to ensure that people are viewed and recognized for their skill and talent, and not discriminated on based on gender, race, or religion. Recent initiatives in support of these include the launch of an updated sexual harassment policy with sensitivities on LGBTQIA colleagues, a gender-neutral restroom in its 61-year-old facility, and a local DEI policy that safeguards employees’ right to a chosen name, right to dress, and right to safe spaces. 

Innovations in HR Practices 

In addition to its focus on leadership development, the snacks company has embraced cutting-edge innovations in its HR practices. The company has made significant strides in digitization and automation, revolutionizing its operations and enhancing the employee experience. One initiative is the groundbreaking use of Virtual Reality (VR) in its onboarding for new employees. This program provides a virtual tour of the company’s office, very useful for those who are deployed in farther regions in the Philippines. These advancements have streamlined processes, increased efficiency, and allowed the company to maintain its competitive edge in the market. By staying at the forefront of HR innovation, Mondelēz International has reinforced its reputation as a top employer in the region.

Hall of Fame and a Triple Win

Awarded on the same night, Mondelēz International also received recognition from the HR Excellence Awards for the following: Gold for Excellence in Workplace Culture, Gold for Excellence in Employee Advocacy and Brand Ambassadorship, and Bronze for Women Empowerment Strategy. Established in 2022, the award event aims to provide an incubator platform for HR teams to showcase their strategies and initiatives. Over the years, it has evolved to a benchmarking stalwart across industries. These awards were achieved by Mondelēz International through its purpose-driven initiatives and its engaging culture-building programs, which resulted to a stronger engagement, as reflected in its latest employee survey.  

A Culture of Growth, a Great Place to Work 

The success of Mondelēz International at the HR Asia Awards and HR Excellence Awards would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of its employees. 

“This award is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our entire team to creating a workplace that truly values and empowers every individual,” she stated. “At Mondelēz International, we believe that our people are our greatest asset, and this recognition reflects the collective efforts we’ve made to foster a culture of growth, innovation, and inclusivity. We are incredibly proud to be recognized among the best companies to work for in Asia, and we will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do.” ~April Valencia, Country People Lead for the Philippines

To see a video recap of the HR Asia Awards event, click HERE. 

About Mondelēz International

Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world with 2023 net revenues of approximately $36 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as OREO, belVita and LU biscuits; Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate; Sour Patch Kids candy and Trident gum. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ.

About Mondelez Philippines 

Mondelez Philippines, Inc. has been providing consumers with delicious snack products for the past 61 years - since 1963. Its product portfolio includes Tang powdered beverages, Eden cheese, mayonnaise and sandwich spread, Cheez Whiz spread, Oreo cookies, Tiger energy biscuits, as well as Toblerone and Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolates. The company employs about 450 people in the Philippines, with a manufacturing facility in Parañaque City. Visit https://ph.mondelezinternational.com/home

5th State of Snacking Report Released

Mondelēz International - a leading snacking company in the Philippines and behind top brands like Oreo, Tiger biscuits, Cadbury Dairy Milk, Toblerone, Tang, Eden Cheese, and Cheez Whiz - announced the release of its fifth annual State of Snacking report. A global study on consumer trends, the report annually breaks down insights on consumers’ preferences when they make snacking decisions. In collaboration with The Harris Poll, one of the US’ prominent public opinions think tanks, the report is part of Mondelēz International’s commitment to lead the future of snacking. 

The Evolving Consumer Mindset and Mindful Snacking

Compared to five years ago, findings from this year’s report show that consumers are now paying more attention to mindfulness, with data showing 64% of consumers are paying more attention to their hunger or fullness levels and 57% focusing on the time and pace of how they enjoy snacking. As part of empowering consumers to snack right, Mondelēz International promotes the following to be more mindful in snacking:

• Knowing what you want and need emotionally and functionally.

• Being aware of your portion size and moderating it.

• Enjoying and appreciating your snacks with all senses (e.g., taste, feel, smell).

• Being present in the moment and avoiding distractions while snacking.

• Being aware of your hunger, fullness, and satisfaction.

• Reflecting on your whole eating experience.

In alignment with these tips, the report highlights consumers are agreeing to snack more mindfully – recognizing that snacks have a role to play in a healthy diet to meet a variety of perceived health benefits such as boosting their energy (75%), improving their mood (74%), and enjoying snacks that align with their fitness goals (70%). 

Snacking Curation

In addition, the State of Snacking report also shows that snacks remain a priority for consumers especially those from the Asia Pacific region. In eight out of ten (8/10) Asian consumers, they report actively discussing  snacking preferences within their circles; this is in comparison to 74% of global consumers overall.

Complementing the behavior of consumers to curate their snacking habits, the report also found that social media plays a crucial role in defining Asians’ snacking behavior, with consumers more likely to utilize social media to learn more information about snacking (66% vs. 56% total).

Snacking with Purpose

Consumers are also snacking more purposely, with over two-thirds of them agreeing that they often choose brands that align with their values, like Mondelēz International’s brands whose snacks align with their environmental priorities. This is especially true with the insight that 67% of consumers surveyed agree that they prioritize snacks that have less plastic packaging.

“Purpose has always been at the core of our business. Aside from leading the future of snacking, we’re also in the business of providing the right snack, for the right moment, and made the right way. We’re proud of our work here at Mondelēz International. Our role of providing consumers with their household favorites while being able to contribute to our collective duty to help the world is the reason our colleagues work tirelessly every day.” ~Aleli Arcilla, Mondelēz International’s Managing Director in the Philippines

As part of its efforts to support the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law, Mondelēz International has taken steps to use less and better packaging and help improve diversion systems where it operates. In 2023 alone, the Company collected and diverted 100% of its post-consumer plastic packaging – beyond of the requirements of the EPR Law.

To learn more about the State of Snacking, the report is published and available at Mondelēz International’s website: www.mondelezinternational.com/stateofsnacking.

About Mondelēz International

Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world with 2023 net revenues of approximately $36 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as OREO, belVita and LU biscuits; Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate; Sour Patch Kids candy and Trident gum. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ.

 

About Mondelez Philippines 

Mondelez Philippines, Inc. has been providing consumers with delicious snack products for the past 61 years - since 1963. Its product portfolio includes Tang powdered beverages, Eden cheese, mayonnaise and sandwich spread, Cheez Whiz spread, Oreo cookies, Tiger energy biscuits, as well as Toblerone and Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolates. The company employs about 450 people in the Philippines, with a manufacturing facility in Parañaque City. Visit https://ph.mondelezinternational.com/home.