Benedick Balilu - APMEA People’s Award

“Winning the APMEA People’s Award was never something I had in mind. Honestly, it hit me like a jackpot. When I heard my name, my first thought wasn’t pride—it was disbelief. And then it hit me: all my hard work paid off.”

In 2021, I was assigned to the Philippine General Hospital as Project Manager and later as Contract Manager. Co-chairing the JCI preparation for TMCO was intense, but it showed what’s possible when Sodexo teams and clients work as one. With patient care at the center, we met global standards without compromise. Later, when I led a critical healthcare project in Iloilo, that same teamwork—supported by trust and clear systems—allowed us to deliver, even across distance.

My journey continued at a manufacturing site, where close collaboration with the client played a huge role in our success. Clear expectations, open communication, and shared goals helped us improve operations, strengthen teams, and drive consistency. These partnerships reinforced my belief that the best results happen when clients and service partners truly work side by side.

Today, as General Services Manager, my focus is on building resilient operations and empowering teams to perform at their best. The APMEA People’s Award isn’t about one person—it reflects the collective effort of people who believe in doing things right, working together, and delivering results that matter.

Looking back, I see that all my hard work paid off because it was supported by teamwork, trust, and strong partnerships with our clients. That’s the kind of impact I’m proud of—and the kind of value Sodexo brings every day.