Romulo I. Delos Reyes, Jr. is the President and General Manager of Stronghold Insurance Company, Inc., a leading non-life insurance provider in the Philippines, celebrating its 64th anniversary this year.
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A Journey of Dedication and Growth
Mr. Delos Reyes began his career with Stronghold Insurance in 1979 as a working student and collector. Through perseverance and hard work, he advanced through various roles, including fire inspector, underwriting supervisor, and underwriting manager. His dedication led him to leadership positions, progressing from Vice President for Operations to Vice President and General Manager, then to Executive Vice President and General Manager, before assuming his current role as President and General Manager.
With 45 years of service, his leadership is built on resilience and adaptability. Every role he has taken on has prepared him to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and drive the company forward.
Stronghold Insurance: A Market Leader
Stronghold Insurance is one of the top 10 non-life insurance companies in the Philippines. As of December 2023, the Insurance Commission’s report ranked the company 3rd in Net Income Performance, 3rd in Paid-Up Capital, 9th in Company Assets, 4th in Premiums Earned, and 5th in Net Premium Written. These rankings highlight the company’s strong financial standing and competitive position in the industry.
Looking ahead, Mr. Delos Reyes envisions Stronghold Insurance as the leading non-life insurance provider in the country by 2030. With a well-established strategy in place, the company continues to expand its offerings, strengthen its market presence, and maintain a strong connection with its clients.
Expanding Reach and Achieving Key Milestones
Stronghold Insurance operates the widest distribution network in the industry, allowing them to build lasting relationships with clients. Their client-centric approach is reflected in Mr. Delos Reyes’s philosophy: “Clients’ satisfaction is the ultimate strategy above all.”
The company has achieved significant milestones, including securing the largest single premium transaction in December 2023. They successfully reinsured the Property and Engineering Combined Risk and Catastrophe Excess of Loss Treaty Service for the Government Service Insurance System, a government-owned corporation, providing total coverage of PHP 13 billion.
Stronghold Insurance continues to expand, now operating over 150 offices nationwide. They have also established two major multi-storey buildings in Visayas and Mindanao to enhance accessibility for customers. Their growth extends beyond insurance, with ventures in rural banking, auto services, public transportation, reinsurance broking, and holding company investments, creating new revenue streams and reinforcing their market presence.
The company’s dedication to employee retention is another key strength. With a 92% retention rate and an attrition rate of only 8%, Stronghold fosters a positive work environment that encourages long-term career growth.
Leadership Focus on People and Growth
A key personal achievement for Mr. Delos Reyes is creating a supportive work environment. Having worked his way up from the ground level, he understands the value of investing in employees. Stronghold Insurance has 557 employees and 1,589 General Agents, all benefiting from a leadership approach that emphasizes mentorship, development, and career growth.
His hands-on leadership style ensures employees feel heard, valued, and motivated. By identifying and nurturing talent, he helps employees envision a clear path for their professional advancement within the company.
Staying Ahead of Industry Trends
To maintain Stronghold Insurance’s competitive edge, Mr. Delos Reyes ensures the company stays ahead of industry trends. By continuously monitoring market developments and integrating innovations into their operations, they anticipate shifts in the insurance landscape and adapt proactively. This forward-thinking approach has helped them remain relevant and competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility
Beyond business success, Stronghold Insurance is dedicated to making a meaningful impact on society. The company actively participates in medical missions to assist underserved communities and established the DAVID C. MERCADO Foundation in honor of their late Chairman Emeritus. The foundation focuses on charitable initiatives supporting various groups.
In times of crisis, Stronghold Insurance provides relief to communities affected by natural disasters. They distribute essential goods and contribute to recovery efforts, helping people rebuild their lives.
Driving Stronghold Insurance Forward
Under the leadership of Mr. Delos Reyes, Stronghold Insurance continues to grow, innovate, and serve as a pillar of stability in the Philippine insurance industry. His vision, experience, and commitment to both people and progress ensure the company remains on track to achieving its goal of becoming the country’s top non-life insurance provider by 2030.
