I have received some emails asking how the Lopez values differ from the existing corporate values. For example, ABS-CBN’s corporate values cover meritocracy, excellence, teamwork, teaching and learning, and honesty and integrity. Each firm in the Lopez group of companies have a similar list of corporate values, and some people are now wondering whether their existing corporate values are rendered obsolete by the Lopez values.

Here’s the simple answer: the Lopez values are perfectly aligned with your own corporate values! There is no intention to replace them.

Just last month, in February 23, the HR heads from the different Lopez companies gathered to share their experiences and best practices in getting employees to remember to follow their respective corporate values.

But more importantly, they examined each Lopez value, and they found that they matched very well. In some cases, there is a one-to-one correspondence. For instance, you need “Unity” to achieve “Teamwork”; you support “Social Justice” if “Meritocracy” is observed in the organization; and “Integrity” also includes “Honesty.”

I think part of the concern might be due to the perception that there are overlaps and contradictions. Don’t worry too much about this. If you follow your corporate values, you are also following the Lopez values. I guarantee it. However, the Lopez values has something more to offer … it helps fill the gaps.

The Lopez values will help you achieve a greater insight to a successful career and healthy personal lifestyle. Lopez values like “Nationalism” and “Concern for Employee Welfare and Wellness” might already be in your own existing corporate culture. But it helps to actually list them down — so we can always remember the values, and never take them for granted.

Treat the Lopez values as a higher guide. These are values that have worked for generations. My father came up with these values through difficult trial-and-error, and they have been the pillars of our success.

I can imagine some of you throwing your arms into the air and asking me, “Pero Sir, kelangan pa ba i-memorize ‘yan?”

I am not asking you to memorize the values and their definitions. I want you to UNDERSTAND THEM AND LIVE YOUR LIVES ACCORDING TO THESE VALUES.

Do you remember when you were in grade school? We all had to carry heavy books to school. The goal was to absorb as much information our brains will allow.

When we got to high school and college, we learned how to discuss and debate what we’ve learned with our teachers and classmates.

Then we graduate, and we start learning from experience. Sometimes we fail, sometimes we succeed.

However, through the years, we eventually understand what it takes to succeed. When we finally have children of our own, we teach them important life lessons to spare them the hardship of our own experiences. We want our children to be successful in everything they do.

That, my Kapamilya, is what the Lopez values are to you. From a loving parent to a child, they are our precious gifts to be kept and applied in your daily lives.