Peru’s Honorary Consul General to Manila Dr. Francis C. Chua headlined the list of individuals and conglomerates that were recognized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) during the 46th Philippine Business Conference & Expo on Wednesday.
Ambassador Chua, the chamber’s chairman emeritus, received the Presidential Excellence Award, the highest award given by the PCCI. It is the first of its kind in PCCI’s history and bestowed by the chamber’s president to leaders of the business community who contributed immensely to economic and social growth.
The special award was conceived by PCCI President Amb. Benedicto V. Yujuico, while the awardee was chosen by the Council of Leaders headed by Former Trade and Finance Secretary Jose T. Pardo and Menardo R. Jimenez.
Chua's greatest contributions are his programs that solidified and sustained the financial growth of PCCI. He sealed the alliance of PCCI and the International Chamber of Commerce, the world body that establishes, promotes, and oversees the implementation of Certificate of Origin and ATA Carnet (known as the Passport for Goods). This made PCCI a truly global chamber .
Chua is a former president of PCCI and a topnotch businessman in almost every sector of the industry, from non-food to semiconductors and even the food sector. He also belongs to the diplomatic community, spending his own money to foster good relations between Peru and the Philippines.
During the term of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Chua was appointed special envoy of the Philippines to China.
Manila Bulletin Founder Dr. Emilio T. Yap Sr. and ASG Group of Companies Founder Alfonso G. Siy were awarded posthumously by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) for their body of works that continue to inspire today’s breed of entrepreneurs.
Yap and Siy received the ICCP Global Excellence Posthumous Award for their “leadership and innate business acuity and vision continues to inspire generations of businessmen and entrepreneurs.”
The PCCI recognized Yap’s “remarkable contributions to several of the Philippines’ major business industries and drivers of growth and development, including publishing, shipping, pharmacy, banking and finance, tourism, and education, among others.”
Dr. Siy, meanwhile, was cited for his “contribution as an industry champion in multiple sectors, most prominently in the manufacturing and exporting of fishing nettings, twines, and other related products which has propelled the Philippine Fish Net Industry to become a leading global supplier and a major competitor in the international market.”
ICCP Global Corporate Excellence Award
Conglomerates San Miguel Corporation (SMC), Andrew Tan Group of Companies, and National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), meanwhile, received the ICCP Global Excellence Corporate Award.
SMC was honored for its "invaluable contribution to Philippine economic growth and development as one of the country’s largest conglomerates, delivering quality products and services in various sectors. SSMC continues to touch the hearts of the Filipino and the global public as it led the private sector by its example and efforts to aid the combat against the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The PCCI cited NGCP for its “contributions to providing reliable transmission services to the Filipino people which facilitates access to efficient, safe, and affordable electricity, especially amidst the COVID-19 global pandemic which posed as a threat to the security of people.”
The Andrew Tan Group received the distinction “for the companies’ exceptional dedication in providing world-class products and services in various areas, putting the Philippines in the global map of economic success.”
ICCP Global Excellence Award
Individually, Edgardo G. Lacson, President of MIS Maritime Corporation and Director for Capital Market Development and Corporate Governance and Auditor of PCCI, received the ICCP Global Excellence Award.
The ICCP Global Excellence Award is given to individuals that have prominently figured nationally and internationally, making the country proud in view of their excellence in their respective field of business and by advocating for the development of MSMEs and aspiring businessmen.
"Mr. Lacson was cited for his unrelenting dedication to the Filipino business community as a respected and regarded business leader of the PCCI, Employers Confederation of the Philippines, and the Philippine Stock Exchange. His hard work and commitment in policy and advocacy continues to pave the way for the success of the country’s economic development that is felt not only locally but also overseas, truly helping Philippine businesses make an important mark globally," the PCCI said
"His business acumen in the areas of maritime transport and environmental management services, among others, has created many opportunities for employment and has instituted growth and competitiveness. Mr. Lacson’s advocacy in helping micro, small, and medium enterprises as well as his philanthropic initiatives in supporting marginalized sectors continues to inspire the community to contribute to nation-building," the PCCI added.