Ms Belle Tiongco’s career began in the Philippines’ insurance industry more than three decades ago, but her commitment to communication has been lifelong.

Following a successful corporate career, Ms Tiongco pivoted toward humanitarian work, leveraging her passion for sport and its unifying power to develop sustainable, community-driven programs for conflict-affected and underserved communities in the Philippines.

Since 2014, Ms Tiongco has served as President of IABC Philippines, leading the chapter in its mission to strengthen and serve the country’s communication profession.

We recently spoke with Ms Tiongco about her career journey and the role of communications in addressing inequality.

What made you choose a career in communications?

I was a bookworm as a child, growing up bilingual in the Philippines.  I devoured books and my idea of fun was going through Encyclopedia Brittanica whenever I was done with homework.  I recognized the power of the written word early in my life, and I used that power in school, where my teachers and fellow students gave me feedback that I was a strong communicator.

So, even in grade school, I knew I wanted to live my life around “words”.  And that dedication was consistent all throughout my university days.  There had been detours, as I entered the workforce at a time when [Steve] Jobs and [Bill] Gates were the giants of the world and everyone had to do “IT”.  I had always been assigned to be the communicator, and today, after a fulfilling corporate career, I’m dedicated to my role in IABC.

You have worked in a wide range of sectors, including financial services, sport, not-for-profit. What attracted you to these sectors?

I consider myself fortunate to have been offered opportunities to make a difference in society.  So even as an insurance executive engaged in CSR, I realized that I can make a positive contribution to society, especially in the Philippines where my work also exposed me to the inequalities that plagued my country – then and now.

I helped develop financial products that ensured the safety of future funds for ordinary employees like myself. I interacted with children and families who didn’t have resources to buy shoes, to eat sufficient meals, to pay for transport to engage in play, and have fun.  I felt extremely disturbed by the corruption that diminished the support that these communities should be enjoying.  I didn’t have enough resources either, but I knew that dedicating my time and my talent and my management expertise would generate results. 

For several years you have served as president of IABC Philippines. What have been the highlights of your tenure?

The COVID years were very challenging. We came to that point where we asked ourselves, do I still have a career? But the dedication, the optimism, and the active participation of my colleagues inspired me to fight for survival.

Even our secretariat preferred to work in person, whenever possible, to keep the office going.  We had virtual Philippine Quills for two years! The fact that we harvested a record number of submissions showed that life went on for everyone, and so we at IABC Philippines should highlight the heroic efforts of communicators from all sectors of society.  Those were my most difficult, and most significant experiences.

Why is it important for communication professionals in the Philippines to belong to an association like IABC?

Belonging to an association like IABC offers communication professionals a unique opportunity to elevate their skills and careers. IABC serves as a dynamic platform where members can access world-class training, benchmark their abilities against global standards, and connect with talented peers from around the world.

Through workshops, networking events, and exposure to international best practices, professionals gain the tools and confidence needed to excel in a rapidly evolving industry. While the journey is demanding, the support and resources provided by IABC empower individuals to become top performers and contribute meaningfully to their organizations and society.

In 2017 you co-founded Football For Humanity and led it for seven years as Vice President. What led you to this?

As Chief Marketing Officer in my previous company I also handled CSR, and PR.  Football for the underprivileged was one of my projects.  I saw the immense talent of children who played without shoes in extremely unfit inner city surroundings, or in war-torn areas in isolated provinces around the country.  (Would the next Ronaldo be a little Filipino boy in a far-off province, practicing his extraordinary drills with a worn-out football, or a coconut?) These children don’t have equipment, but they had dedicated coaches who were likewise underprivileged.  Sport is a proven system for well-being.  The children learn discipline, team work, optimism, and a drive to win. I counted on my communicator network to gather support for the advocacy.  So by some miracle, we were able to establish the advocacy that in later years, would also serve as a platform to fight online sexual abuse targeted at disadvantaged communities and families.

What advice would you give to emerging communication professionals in the Philippines?

We need you.  The country’s future depends on how we understand issues, how we communicate with each other, how we verbalize our dreams and aspirations.

There are plenty of roles for you to thrive in.  There was a time in our history when communicating means putting your life on the line.  And our past communicators did that, and today we enjoy the fruits of their valiant efforts.  Let us continue to honor their legacy, as we take our place in the roster, and as we enjoy the rewards of the career.  You have a bright future.  Every day our roles evolve, the technologies available to us are abundant, and compelling. Your loved ones, your families, your countrymen will have a bright future because you have committed to this mission.