Our high-performance culture at Aboitiz Foods enables us to be ready to adapt to change, learn beyond our scope, and gain new skills that help us become future-ready — reflecting our “Always Better” mindset. This same mindset prepares us for the uncertain future that lies ahead.
A prime example of this kind of leadership mindset is Ebbie Mabatid, Senior Vice President and Chief Finance Officer. For over 17 years, she was instrumental in shaping the finance department at Aboitiz Foods, building the foundation of our operations and growth. Under her guidance, she oversaw critical finance functions, including credit management, tax, and financial accounting, while enhancing efficiency and driving technological advancements.
Beyond her responsibilities within the organization, Ebbie’s legacy extends to her role as a dedicated mentor. As she transitioned to the next chapter of her life, she reaffirmed her commitment to excellence and growth by leading Resilience Training sessions, where she taught the art of resilience for both the workplace and in personal lives.
“This is a personal journey that became a movement across teams and countries. In October 2023, I started conducting Resilience Training Sessions — not as a corporate program but as a personal journey to understand what it truly means to stay strong, grounded, and hopeful in times of change,” Ebbie shared.
Within two years, she shared her wisdom with more than 700 Aboitiz Foods team members across the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, China, and Singapore. Ebbie led over 30 sessions, each focusing on the core principles of resilience and its vital role in the workplace.
It also covered topics such as working with AI, managing failures, practicing mindfulness and self-care, and managing change — essential knowledge for thriving in an ever-changing world. When asked about her motivation for conducting these sessions, she said, “Resilience isn’t about bouncing back; it’s about bouncing forward. Every pain and challenge teaches us to grow stronger, wiser, and more compassionate — as individuals and as teams.”
What began as a journey of self-discovery for Ebbie evolved into a collective experience of growth and learning that she shared with the rest of the Aboitiz Foods team. As Ebbie approaches her retirement this year, she steps down gracefully with a legacy that teaches us resilience for the future.
Ebbie’s journey reminds us that at Aboitiz Foods, being Always Better is not just about professional performance; it’s also about growth, resilience, and a sense of purpose. Her fervor for our people left a lasting legacy in our culture through her Resilience Trainings, empowering team members to grow in their careers and become more resilient in the face of adversity. As she passes the torch to the next generation of Aboitiz Foods leaders, her legacy continues to inspire us to face change with courage and a belief in a better future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legacy Ebbie Mabatid leaves behind at Aboitiz Foods?
Ebbie’s legacy is a culture of resilience embedded across the organization. Her training movement empowered hundreds of team members to face change with courage and purpose, reinforcing Aboitiz Foods’ ‘Always Better’ mindset. As she transitions into retirement, her philosophy continues to inspire the next generation of leaders to grow through adversity.
Who is Ebbie Mabatid and what is her role at Aboitiz Foods?
Ebbie Mabatid is the Senior Vice President and Chief Finance Officer of Aboitiz Foods. Over 17 years, she was instrumental in building the finance department’s foundation, overseeing critical functions such as credit management, tax, and financial accounting, while driving technological advancements and operational efficiency across the organization.
What are the Resilience Training sessions Ebbie conducted?
Starting in October 2023, Ebbie led over 30 Resilience Training sessions across eight countries as a personal initiative — not a formal corporate program. The sessions covered core principles of resilience in the workplace and personal life, including managing failures, working with AI, practicing mindfulness, self-care, and navigating change.
How many people did the Resilience Training sessions reach?
Over 700 Aboitiz Foods team members across the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, China, and Singapore participated. The sessions spanned multiple departments including Finance, IT, Sales, Operations, and Supply Chain, demonstrating the broad reach and cross-functional impact of the initiative.
What does Ebbie mean by ‘bouncing forward’ instead of ‘bouncing back’?
Ebbie’s philosophy reframes resilience as a growth opportunity rather than mere recovery. Rather than simply returning to a previous state after adversity, she encourages individuals and teams to emerge stronger, wiser, and more compassionate — treating every challenge as a lesson that propels personal and professional development forward.
