Excellence Awards 2026
Tell their story. Celebrate their impact.
05.31.2026
Announcements
categories
CARING CARDINAL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
This award recognizes new hire who has demonstrated exceptional job performance, actively contributed to a positive workplace culture, and upheld our mission of delivering compassionate, high-quality care to our patients and community.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Employee has been with Cardinal Santos Medical Center for six (6) months to two (2) years
- Employee has no disciplinary record
- Employee has no performance rating below Meet Expectations (ME) throughout stay at the hospital
- Employee falls within Band Levels 1 to 6
CRITERIA
Excellence in Job Performance (60%)
Demonstrates outstanding performance and reliability in their role, including the quality of work, efficiency, and overall contribution to the team's success.
Contribution to the Hospital’s Values (30%)
Reflects and upholds the hospital’s core values, including integrity, teamwork, excellence, malasakit, and servant leadership.
Adaptability (10%)
Shows a high level of adaptability to new roles and responsibilities, and potential for future growth and development within the organization. "
CASH PRIZE
PHP 20,000
HOW TO NOMINATE
Any employee may submit a nomination provided it is endorsed by their respective Division Head.
Division Heads may also directly nominate employees without the need for a separate endorsement.
You may download the endorsement letter here.
CARING CARDINAL STAFF OF THE YEAR
This award honors rank and file employee who not only excel in their job performance but also contributes positively to the hospital's culture and uphold its mission of providing compassionate and high-quality care.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Employee has been with Cardinal Santos Medical Center for more than two (2) years
- Employee has no disciplinary record
- Employee has no performance rating below Meet Expectations (ME) for the past two (2) years
- Employee falls within Band Levels 1 to 6
CRITERIA
Excellence in Job Performance (60%)
The employee’s track record in consistently delivering excellent results in their role, meeting or exceeding expectations.
Contribution to the Hospital’s Values (30%)
Reflects and upholds the hospital’s core values, including integrity, teamwork, excellence, malasakit, and servant leadership.
Personal Mastery & Continuous Improvement (10%)
The employee’s dedication to personal growth, skill development, and contribution to improving hospital processes or patient care.
CASH PRIZE
PHP 30,000
Title or Question
- Any employee may submit a nomination provided it is endorsed by their respective Division Head.
- Division Heads may also directly nominate employees without the need for a separate endorsement.
You may download the endorsement letter here.
CARING CARDINAL LEADER OF THE YEAR
This award honors a leader who has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, fostering a collaborative and compassionate environment, while making a significant impact on the hospital's operations, patient care, and overall success.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Employee has been with Cardinal Santos Medical Center for at least one (1) year
- Employee has no performance rating below Meet Expectations (ME) for the past three (3) years
- Employee falls within Band Levels A to C
CRITERIA
Excellence in Leadership & Management Performance (70%)
Manager's track record in driving department/team success and operational excellence.
Contribution to the Hospital’s Values (15%)
Reflects and upholds the hospital’s core values, including integrity, teamwork, excellence, malasakit, and servant leadership.
Personal Mastery & Leadership Qualities (15%)
The employee’s dedication to personal growth, skill development, and contribution to improving hospital processes or patient care.
CASH PRIZE
PHP 50,000
HOW TO NOMINATE
- Any employee may submit a nomination provided it is endorsed by their respective Division Head.
- Division Heads may also directly nominate employees without the need for a separate endorsement.
You may download the endorsement letter here.
CARING CARDINAL LEADER OF THE YEAR
(MIDDLE AND SENIOR MANAGER)
This award honors a leader who has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, fostering a collaborative and compassionate environment, while making a significant impact on the hospital's operations, patient care, and overall success.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Employee has been with Cardinal Santos Medical Center for at least one (1) year
- Employee has no performance rating below Meet Expectations (ME) for the past three (3) years
- Employee falls within Band Levels A to C
CRITERIA
Excellence in Leadership & Management Performance (70%)
Manager's track record in driving department/team success and operational excellence.
Contribution to the Hospital’s Values (15%)
Reflects and upholds the hospital’s core values, including integrity, teamwork, excellence, malasakit, and servant leadership.
Personal Mastery & Leadership Qualities (15%)
The employee’s dedication to personal growth, skill development, and contribution to improving hospital processes or patient care.
CASH PRIZE
PHP 70,000
HOW TO NOMINATE
- Any employee may submit a nomination provided it is endorsed by their respective Division Head.
- Division Heads may also directly nominate employees without the need for a separate endorsement.
You may download the endorsement letter here.
CARING CARDINAL INNOVATORS' CIRCLE
This is awarded to a team whose innovative efforts have led to a measurable and significant improvement in the hospital operations efficiency.
ABOUT
The Caring Cardinal Innovators’ Circle is one of the newly launched categories of the CSMC People Awards that acknowledges and rewards top initiatives that enhance patient care and support for our staff.
OBJECTIVE
To motivate Caring Cardinal Leaders to innovate, challenge norms, and achieve exceptional organizational outcomes
QUALIFICATIONS
- Nomination must be submitted as a group effort, showcasing collaborative achievements
- Nominated projects must have been in effect for a minimum of 6 months by the time of nomination to ensure their impact and effectiveness can be assessed
- "Nomination must has direct impact to any of the following: - Increase in Patient Experience Rating - Cost-Saving Efforts of the Hospital"
- Each nomination must consist of at least two (2) members
- All members must have been employed at Cardinal Santos Medical Center for at least six (6) months by the time of nomination
CRITERIA
Impact & Outcome (60%)
There is a positive measurable effect caused by the project which corresponds with the intervention’s objectives.
Sustainability (30%)
The ability of the intervention to maintain a continued utilization of its results after the completion of the project.
Replicability (10%)
In this criterion, the likelihood of the project to be adapted by other Departments and Divisions within the organization will be measured. In addition, it will also be evaluated if the project is more likely to be ‘mainstreamed’ throughout the entire CSMC Community.
PROCESS
To ensure a thorough and fair selection, a 4- step process will be employed:
- NOMINATION: Employees eligible for nomination shall be selected by their respective heads or immediate supervisors through an internal screening process, ensuring alignment with the purpose and qualification criteria of the Caring Cardinal Innovators’ Circle award.
- DATA FORM: All nominations must be submitted in a standardized format. The nomination form gathers essential details supporting the nomination and includes required certifications and due diligence assurances from both the supervisor and nominee. The information provided serves as the basis for the initial paper screening process.
- ASSESSMENT: Nominations that pass the initial paper screening will proceed with a face-to-face interview with the People Awards Council. This interview aims to validate the submitted information and allow both the nominee and their supervisor/head to fully present the context of the nomination. Both the nominee and their supervisor/head must be available for the interview.
- FINAL SCREENING: Shortlisted nominees will undergo final screening by a panel of judges, consisting of the People Awards Council and the hospital's President & CEO.
CASH PRIZE
PHP 70,000
AWARDING
All shortlisted nominees will be announced in July and must be present during the Awarding Ceremony.
The winners will be revealed at the CSMC People Awards in August.
previous winners
CARING CARDINAL DISTINCTION AWARD
Dr Demetrio Africa
Cardinal Santos Medical Center proudly honors Dr. Demetrio L. Africa for a lifetime of extraordinary service, compassion, and mentorship. A pillar of wisdom in the institution, his guidance has long been sought by hospital leaders in the most critical decisions — a testament to the deep respect and trust he has earned.
As Founding Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Africa envisioned a department where healing, learning, and compassion would thrive together. He established the hospital’s first Integrated Residency Training Program, shaping generations of pediatricians to serve with skill, empathy, and integrity. From 1980 to 1982, he further strengthened medical education as President of FIRST, laying a foundation of excellence that continues to guide the institution today.
For 17 years, he faithfully served as Chair of the Credentials Committee, upholding the highest standards of integrity and professional qualification for the medical staff. His dedication ensured that CSMC remained a place defined by excellence, ethical practice, and unwavering commitment to patient care.
His impact—felt in every medical consultant he mentored, every standard he upheld, and every life touched through his leadership—remains an enduring part of the legacy of Cardinal Santos Medical Center.
CARING CARDINAL DISTINCTION AWARD
Maria Elena Lagniton
Ms. Lagniton has been instrumental in putting the Patient Experience Division at the forefront of hospital priorities—ensuring that compassion is not just a value we talk about, but a reality our patients feel.
Her initiatives have improved not only patient satisfaction, but have helped redefine service culture across departments. Her coaching, her tireless advocacy for empathy in healthcare, and her ability to bridge frontline service with leadership strategy make her a true pillar of CSMC.
Known for her grace, wisdom, and unshakable professionalism. She is more than a consultant—she is a culture builder, a mentor to many, and a champion of healing with heart.
CARING CARDINAL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Elmer Borromeo
Finance
Government Relations & Social Services
Mr. Borromeo led the multi‑year initiative that earned CSMC national recognition from PhilHealth as the tertiary hospital with the least Return-to-Hospital claims in 2024. Through targeted process improvements, he reduced PhilHealth receivables from ₱637M to ₱112M, expanded Medical Social Service programs that assisted over 1,500 patients, and secured Z_Ben package approvals that positioned CSMC as the first private hospital in Metro Manila to achieve this milestone.
His dedication to education and compliance also elevated claim accuracy through strengthened training for resident doctors.
His transformative leadership in enhancing financial performance, operational efficiency, and patient support has made a lasting impact across CSMC.
CARING CARDINAL EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
Dr Antonio Say
As the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Say is recognized for his exceptional leadership, guiding the organization with a balance of strategic clarity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to patient-centered care.
His influence continues to cultivate a culture of excellence, collaboration, and genuine service.
CARING CARDINAL LEADER OF THE YEAR
(MIDDLE & SENIOR MANAGER)
Joseph Bryan Gaerlan
Nursing Services
Mr. Gaerlan made substantial contributions to improving clinical operations by redefining the roles of Clinical Patient Care Assistants (CPCA), easing staff workload, enhancing patient care, and supporting staff retention.
He further strengthened unit efficiency by implementing acuity‑based staffing, a strategy that helped address nurse burnout, promote patient safety, and ensure fair workload distribution across the team. During a critical leadership transition, he stepped up as interim Officer‑in‑Charge, providing steady guidance, maintaining smooth daily operations, and preserving team stability.
His work reflects strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to quality care and staff well‑being.
CARING CARDINAL LEADER OF THE YEAR
(SUPERVISOR & JUNIOR MANAGER)
Glorefer Arcebuche
Finance
Finance Operations – Spend/Payables
Ms. Arcebuche significantly enhanced operational efficiency by streamlining billing and collection processes, resulting in faster turnaround times and improved accuracy. She also led key process automation initiatives that reduced manual errors and optimized overall workflow, contributing to a more reliable and efficient system.
In addition, she strengthened the organization’s compliance with regulatory and audit requirements through timely and precise submissions, ensuring consistent adherence to standards. Her contributions reflect strong analytical skills, a commitment to quality, and a proactive approach to process improvement.
CARING CARDINAL STAFF OF THE YEAR
Adolfo Dizon, Jr.
Ancillary Services
Specialty Center – Eye Center
Mr. Dizon played a key role in strengthening operations at the Eye Center by developing a structured procedural checklist that streamlined onboarding, reduced errors, and boosted the confidence of new staff.
Beyond his clinical responsibilities, he consistently exceeded expectations by mentoring new hires, creating comprehensive onboarding materials, and conducting weekly check‑ins to support team growth and morale.
As second‑in‑command, he demonstrated dependable leadership, effectively overseeing daily operations in his supervisor’s absence and ensuring uninterrupted, high‑quality patient care. His initiatives reflect strong organizational ability, dedication to staff development, and steady leadership within the clinical environment.
CARING CARDINAL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Ma. Cheeny Sy
Nursing Services
Special Nursing Areas – Operating Room
As a fresh graduate entering the Operating Room, Ms. Sy quickly demonstrated a strong ability to learn and adapt. She progressed from assisting in minor procedures to supporting complex surgeries such as kidney transplants and neuro‑spine operations, reflecting her commitment and readiness for demanding clinical responsibilities.
She consistently upheld the highest standards of sterile technique, accurate instrument counts, and thorough documentation, contributing to patient safety and efficient surgical workflows. Her attention to detail reinforced a reliable and safety‑focused OR environment.
Alongside her technical skills, she communicated clearly and professionally with both patients and surgical staff. Her calm, supportive presence helped maintain smooth coordination during high‑acuity situations and strengthened overall team performance.
Her early OR experience highlights her dedication, competence, and collaborative nature—qualities that position her well for delivering safe, high‑quality care in complex surgical settings.
CARING CARDINAL INNOVATOR’S CIRCLE
(INCREASE IN PATIENT EXPERIENCE RATING)
Project: Decision under pressure
ESI triaging workshop for CSMC ER Triage Nurses
Proponents: Trixie Crisostomo, Rielly Macairan, Ma. Kristinielle Alviz, Jannice Bunsoy, Julius Flores
Division: Nursing Services
This initiative strengthened the critical thinking and triage accuracy of ER nurses through a structured four‑day Emergency Severity Index (ESI) training and competency revalidation program. By enhancing nurses’ capability to assign accurate ESI levels, the project ensured timely and appropriate patient care while improving overall ER efficiency.
The program delivered measurable results: nurse assessment accuracy increased to ≥80%, triage time decreased to 5 minutes, and ER turnaround times significantly improved — reducing admission TAT from 291.65 to 191.55 minutes and discharge TAT from 296.70 to 178.55 minutes.
These improvements contributed to sustained performance targets and a 91.11% patient satisfaction rating, demonstrating the program’s direct impact on patient experience and operational excellence.
CARING CARDINAL
INNOVATOR’S CIRCLE
(COST-SAVING)
This is presented to a group whose initiatives have resulted in notable cost-efficiency measures, positively impacting the hospital’s resource management while maintaining high standards of care.
Project: Pay Express
Proponents: Shielalyn Perez, Glorefe Arcebuche, Mirasol Dacumos, Jennylyn Torres
Division: Finance
This initiative transformed supplier payment operations by removing the bottleneck of single‑branch collections and reducing manual interventions through the implementation of UnionBank’s PayExpress platform. Designed to streamline processes, enhance cost efficiency, and strengthen vendor trust, the project prioritized faster payments and the capture of prompt‑payment discounts.
The results delivered significant impact: a 60% reduction in manual work, ₱1.7M in prompt‑payment savings in 2024, near‑zero supplier inquiries, and markedly improved staff productivity. The initiative also strengthened vendor relationships, enabling extended payment terms and fostering greater partnership confidence.
This project stands as a key driver of financial efficiency and operational modernization.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is eligible to be nominated for the Excellence Awards?
All CVHMC, CMCFI, and CHI employees who have met the required tenure and performance standards for their respective award categories are eligible for nomination.
Who is allowed to submit a nomination?
Any employee may submit a nomination provided it is endorsed by their respective Division Head.
Division Heads may also directly nominate employees without the need for a separate endorsement.
Where can I find the endorsement form?
The endorsement form is available for download within the nomination form itself. You can access it as you accomplish your online nomination.
How do I submit a nomination?
Nominations must be submitted through the official Excellence Awards website. To view award descriptions and criteria, you may refer to the “Categories” tab before completing your nomination.
Can I nominate more than one person?
Yes. Multiple nominations are allowed as long as each entry is complete and submitted separately.
What is the evaluation process?
After the closing of nominations, the HR/OD team will conduct an initial screening to ensure all entries meet the basic eligibility and documentation requirements.
Qualified nominations will then be forwarded to the People Excellence Awards Council, which is responsible for evaluating, scoring, and shortlisting nominees based on the established criteria for each award category.
Who composes the People Excellence Awards Council?
The People Excellence Awards Council is composed of external judges with strong backgrounds in leadership, organizational development, healthcare management, service excellence, and related fields. These independent professionals are selected to ensure fairness, objectivity, and credibility in the evaluation process
To maintain integrity, council members are not affiliated with CVHMC, CMCFI, or CHI and are required to declare any potential conflicts of interest before participating.
Will nominators or nominees be interviewed?
The committee may request clarifications, interviews, or additional documents if needed for validation.
Are nominations kept confidential?
Yes. All nominations are treated confidentially and reviewed only by the Awards Committee and designated HR staff.
Can a nominee win more than one award?
Yes, as long as each nomination meets the criteria and showcases distinct accomplishments.
What happens if the nomination is incomplete?
Incomplete nominations may not be evaluated. If time permits, nominators may be informed and asked to revise or resubmit.
How will awardees be notified?
Awardees will be notified by HR prior to the ceremony.
When will the awards be presented?
All recognitions will be awarded during the People Awards Celebration.
What will awardees receive?
Awards may include plaques, certificates, and tokens depending on the category.
Who can I contact for help?
For concerns regarding forms, deadlines, or processes, please contact HR TMOD at local 3417.