Puerto Princesa, Philippines — EastWest proudly celebrated the recent achievements of Peter Arreglado, a dedicated member of their Cebu office’s Real and Other Properties Acquired (ROPA) team, who played a key role in leading the Philippines to an impressive victory at the 2024 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Dragon Boat World Championships held in Puerto Princesa.
The Philippines led the medal standings with an impressive 11 gold medals, showcasing the country’s strength in dragon boat racing and the remarkable talent and resilience of employee-athletes like Peter. Notably, he earned three medals across different events: a silver in the 200-meter small boat, a bronze in the 500-meter small boat, and another bronze in the 2000-meter standard boat.
Peter, who has been an active paddler since 2019, fulfilled a lifelong dream by participating in this prestigious global competition. Selected through a rigorous national selection process, he was honored to be part of the Master’s National Team, representing both the Philippines and EastWest on the international stage. “Being part of this historic event is already like winning a gold medal,” Peter shared, reflecting on the significance of his journey and the pride he feels in contributing to the country’s success.
EastWest extended full support to Peter’s training and preparation, providing him with a flexible work schedule and additional financial assistance to ensure he could balance his professional responsibilities with the demands of intensive training. “EastWest’s support in my training made it possible for me to focus on what mattered—giving my best performance at the World Championships. My success in this competition was made possible thanks to our team effort and their sponsorship in terms of fitness, gym access, personal trainers, and other aspects,” he noted. “This opportunity is a dream come true, and I am deeply grateful for the backing I received from my team and the management at EastWest. I’m so grateful for the chance to work with Eastwest, and for having great leaders, especially from the top level.”
The values of teamwork, resilience, and strong leadership, central to the sport of dragon boat racing, align closely with EastWest’s corporate culture.
“Dragon boat racing is a team sport that requires unity and persistence, values I experience every day in my work at EastWest,” Peter explained. “Having a supportive environment at work has empowered and allowed me to pursue my passion in both my athletic and professional life.”
In addition to his personal triumphs, Peter hopes that his participation will inspire his colleagues and the broader community at EastWest to engage in even more athletic pursuits and strive for excellence. “I hope that my achievements encourage other sports enthusiasts among EastWest’s workforce and employees, showing the rest of our community that the bank is wholeheartedly supportive of our interests beyond the workplace,” he added.
EastWest Human Resources Head Alfie Suarez explained the significance of Peter’s triumph, sharing that "At EastWest, we believe in fostering a culture that values dedication, resilience, and teamwork—qualities exemplified by our very own Peter Arreglado and the entire Philippine team at the 2024 International Canoe Federation Dragon Boat World Championships. Their hard work and commitment to excellence inspire us all, and we are incredibly proud of Peter’s accomplishment as he brings this international recognition not only to our country but also to the EastWest family."
Looking ahead, Peter envisions more opportunities to represent both the country and EastWest in future competitions, with hopes to participate in upcoming invitational races abroad and continue his dragon boat journey at the next World Championships in Canada.
With his success, and in celebration of its 30th anniversary, EastWest once again reaffirms its commitment to supporting its employees in their personal and professional endeavors, celebrating each milestone as they go “Further for You.”
Other premiere clubs that EastWest is currently supporting include the EastWest Motion Dance Group, the EastWest Voices Choir, the EastWest Click Photography Club, the EastWest Milers Running Club, the EastWest Racquets Badminton Club, the EastWest Hoops Basketball Club, and the EastWest Pisotivity Club for Investment Enthusiasts.
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