Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) was recognized for its efforts to protect the data privacy of its customers in the recently concluded Privacy Awareness Week 2021 (PAW) Awards organized by the National Privacy Commission (NPC).

Henry Aguda, chief technology and operations officer and chief transformation officer of UnionBank, was named the Privacy Advocate of the Year for his outstanding effort in advancing the development of policies to ensure data protection in the organization. He was also recognized for advocating for the implementation guidelines, projects, and programs that relate to privacy and data protection in the Bank.

Aguda was also given the award because of his passion for advocating data privacy and data subjects’ rights with others through writing, speaking, and/or consulting. He has also spearheaded various programs and initiatives that generated support or raised awareness on privacy and data protection within the organization.

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“The data privacy of our customers is always the utmost priority of UnionBank,” said Dr. David Hardoon, chief Data and AI Officer at UnionBank. “We believe that, in this day and age, keeping their data safe is a responsibility that is put squarely on our shoulders, and we have led many efforts that were designed specifically to ensure data security. This is our way of showing our appreciation for their continued trust. Together with big leaps made in data science and AI technologies, UnionBank is committed to uphold and protect the privacy and rights of our customers.”

Privacy leadership

UnionBank data privacy officer and head of AI and Data Policy Maria Francesca Montes received the Privacy Leadership Award. This special award recognizes the leadership skills and capabilities of the individuals whose works have a significant impact in their sector and field. Montes also holds an executive seat in the NPC Data Privacy Council representing the banking sector.

UnionBank also made it as a finalist for the following awards: Outstanding Personal Information Controller (Private Sector), Outstanding Personal Information Controller Initiative, and Data Protection Officer of the Year.

PAW looks at how organizations can continue protecting the data privacy of Filipinos, promote economic recovery, and build trust between government, private institutions, and the people.

The Privacy Awareness Week 2021 Awards (PAW), organized by the National Privacy Commission (NPC), recognizes individuals and organizations who made exceptional contributions to the field of data privacy.