Nation-building is a shared responsibility and the role of business in this process cannot be overemphasized. Hence, the Nation Builders' Award, a first of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), which recognizes the significant contributions of Philippine companies in building a nation that is resilient and inclusive.
At the recently concluded 49th Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E), which was attended by over 1000 local and foreign delegates, the PCCI presented the commendation to the country's 15 "conglomerates that have undertaken infrastructure projects of national significance through which they have contributed extraordinary support in the areas of job creation, poverty alleviation, and building resilience and long-term growth towards Vision 2050: The Philippines, A First World Economy."
49TH PBC&E Chairman, Architect Felino Palafox, Jr., personally recommended the awardees that made a great impact in the area of infrastructure development and contributed to providing employment and economic activities across the country.
"In my five decades of professional experience, I have seen, visited, and helped many countries, and I could say that infrastructure is really central to the progress and development of a country. I know that these companies that we have recognized fully deserve the spotlight having been able to essentially provide jobs to the people and growth to our economy," Palafox said.
The awardees were picked based on the criteria of having been able to create the foundation for a resilient, sustainable and inclusive future that is aligned with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, significantly contribute high gains to the economy directly, and indirectly in terms of employment and income within the supply chain; and, c) promote distinct ideas and actions, and cultivated leadership strategies to foster long-term planning and sustainability of the economy, environment, and human capital development
Included in the list of awardees were San Miguel Corporation led by Mr. Ramon S. Ang; SM Investments Corporation led by Ms. Teresita Sy-Coson; JG Summit Holdings, Inc. under the leadership of Mr. James L. Go; Ayala Corporation led by Mr. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala; Aboitiz Group in the charge of Mr. Sabin Aboitiz; LT Group of Companies led by Dr. Lucio C. Tan; GT Capital Holdings, Inc. led by Mr. Francisco Sebastian; Megaworld Corporation under the leadership of Dr. Andrew L. Tan; DMCI Holdings in the charge of Mr. Isidro Consunji; International Container Terminal Services, Inc. steered by Mr. Enrique Razon, Jr.; Asian Terminals Incorporated headed by Mr. Eusebio H. Tanco; National Grid Corporation of the Philippines guided by Mr. Henry Sy, Jr.; Converge ICT Solutions Inc. led by Mr. Dennis Anthony H. Uy; Anflo Group of Companies led by Ms. Ma. Linda F. Lagdameo; and Alcantara Group with Mr. Nicasio I. Alcantara at the helm.
The awards and citations were conferred at the 49th PBC&E by Palafox and PCCI President George T. Barcelon, together with PCCI Vice President for Industry Ferdinand Ferrer, PCCI Vice President for Regional Affairs Enunina Mangio and PBC&E Co-chair Jude Aguilar, held at the historic Manila Hotel.