San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has been given the prestigious Global Excellence Award by the world business organization International Chamber of Commerce’s national committee in the Philippines.

This is for the conglomerate’s efforts to keep the economy going, sustain and generate more livelihoods, and help Filipinos cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ICCP created the Global Excellence Award in 2016 to honor leaders whose efforts significantly impact economic growth, development, and competitiveness in the local and global business communities.

The award was received by SMC Chief Finance Officer Ferdinand K. Constantino, who also delivered the acceptance message of SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang.

In his message, Ang paid tribute to all SMC employees who helped ensure the company could continue to provide essential products, services, and aid to Filipinos throughout the pandemic.

“From day one of the quarantine, I have seen so many of our employees go above and beyond the call of duty,” he said.

For its part, the ICC cited San Miguel for its “outstanding dedication in providing quality products and services that contribute to the economic and social development of the Philippines.”

More importantly, the organization said, SMC has come up with “innovative solutions to keep the Philippine economy alive amidst the limitations imposed by the global pandemic.” These, they said, benefitted numerous Filipinos, from employees to micro-retailers.

It also cited SMC’s humanitarian efforts to provide relief for Filipinos while keeping the safety and health of its employees.

“To my friends and colleagues in the business community, our country needs us now more than ever. Our economy is down, our businesses are suffering. But more of all, Filipinos are suffering. If there’s anything you can do to help, or make the situation of people are you better, please do so,” Ang said in his message.

He also expressed hope that other big business would continue to help the economy by investing more and going “all in” for the country, because “we cannot afford for our country to fail.”

Ang expressed confidence that the Philippines would recover. “It will be a new world, with new realities. But it would be one where we all have a better fighting chance, because of our efforts today,” he said. “The Philippines will be better and stronger. Let’s make the sacrifices of so many Filipinos today count—by doing our part in building a better future,” he closed.