Insular Life president and chief operating officer Mona Lisa de la Cruz received this year’s University of the Philippines Alumni Association’s distinguished alumni award in financial management excellence.
De la Cruz was given the award during UPAA’s general alumni homecoming on Aug. 19. She was recognized for her leadership, achievements and contributions in the financial services industry, particularly in life insurance.
She is the first woman to rise to the position of president in Insular Life’s over 100-year history. Her rise from technical assistant to head of the mass marketing division to president has been the result of over 35 years of hard work, diligence, commitment, continuous professional and personal improvement and immersion in various areas of insurance operations.
Over the years, she has directed many enhancements in areas like product pricing, risk management, systems and procedures, technology infrastructure, customer service and people development.
As she assumed higher positions, she focused on operational excellence across the organization. She created a culture of continuous improvement in process and technology, skills and capabilities, performance management, mindset and behavior.
The UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards are conferred on alumni who have demonstrated extraordinary achievements and excellent contributions in their chosen fields that bring about substantial benefits to society and distinct honor to the nation’s top university.