Decades of dedication
Working for the same employer for at least 10 years seems unthinkable for many employees nowadays.
Company loyalty is no longer the priority that it once was – both workers and firms respectively understand the immense powers of switching jobs and poaching talent at the drop of the hat. But for two Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) veterans, sticking with the country’s biggest carmaker gave them the chance to be recognized for their long-running service.
Arnold Agbay and Gemibert Dimaunahan were among those recognized at TMP’s recent annual Dealer Conference as 2025 Toyota Outstanding Performers (TOPS) Awardees.
Up the ladder
Agbay has been with Toyota Shaw for 19 years, starting his career there as a technician.
He told Inquirer Motoring in an exclusive interview that he had later been promoted to job controller before eventually becoming a service advisor. It is in his current role that Agbay was named 2025 TOPS Finest General Job Service Advisor of the Year.
“I really bowed down at my table and was very emotional when I received the award because I didn’t expect it,” he said.
Agbay said he attributes his success to his trust in God and to the training from TMP and his superiors.
“First, I want to thank God,” he said. “Second, I want to thank my own family and my Toyota Shaw family, led by our president Jonalyn Lim, our general manager Mariz Operana and my service manager Ivy Rose Asia. And to all the technicians and back-office support, many thanks to all of you.”
Agbay noted that TMP has maintained its dominant position in the local car market because of the trust that Filipinos have in it.
“In Toyota, parts are always available and we have trained professional advisors that will repair and maintain your car,” he said.
Over 2 decades
Meanwhile, Dimaunahan of Toyota Batangas City brought home the 2025 TOPS Finest Body and Paint Service Advisor of the Year award.
“I was so happy to receive this award,” he told Inquirer Mobility in an exclusive interview in Filipino.
Having been with Toyota Batangas City for the last 21 years, Dimaunahan said he learned the importance of catering to clients’ needs.
“What helped me the most was understanding how to handle customers professionally to ensure that their vehicles are released at the promised time,” he said. “It also helps that Toyota maintains its high quality of its parts and servicing.”
Dimaunahan said he thanks God for the blessing of being named a 2025 TOPS Awardee.
“I also wish to thank Toyota Batangas City, especially the Service Department, for all the trust and support that you have given to me as a Service Advisor,” he said.
The success of these two TMP employees proves that company loyalty can still reap great rewards. Then again, staying is a whole lot easier when you work for the number-one brand in the Philippine automotive market.
