By MDN Network
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A total of 22 companies and individuals were honored and lauded during the Recognition Ceremony for the 9th Mindanao Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs Awards that was held November 8 at Ayala Mall Centrio in Cagayan de Oro City.
“The pandemic forced business organizations to take extraordinary measures in real time… Things changed drastically and dramatically, leaving no industry across the world unaffected. Despite this reality, the business leaders and entrepreneurs of our island persisted and continued to struggle so that its dependents workers and families would survive the crisis. They did so with flying colors… Thus we welcome and honor the Outstanding Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs of Mindanao (in this 9th episode of this annual event )” stated project chairman and MDN President & CEO Dante Sudaria, in his opening remarks of the event.
The awards gives honor to various Mindanao business leaders and entrepreneurs, serving as catalyst for their continued and concerted effort to seek greater heights and strive for success in the noble mission of propelling Mindanao and its people towards full economic growth and sustainable development. “When we conceptualized this project 12 years ago, it was not only for us to start building our Corporate Social Responsibility image, but to help Mindanaoan business leaders and entrepreneurs promote their business and professional reputation and branding,” added MDN editor in chief and awards executive director Allan Mediante.
In his co-presentor’s message, Veterans Bank 1st Vice President Mike Villa Real, congratulated the MDNN for sustaining the awards project through the years, and lauded the efforts of Mindanao Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs for helping sustain the island’s economy amid the Covid 19 pandemic.
“ The backbone of the Philippine economy are resilient business leaders and entrepreneurs . Those who succeed even amid the pandemic must be recognized and honored. If you are an entrepreneur you are trained to spot risks. If entrepreneurs do not persist due to the destructive health risks, we will not overcome the challenges for the betterment of our economy and sustainable .livelihood. We congratulate the awardees tonight for taking the lead in providing for your employees, workers and familes,” stated Villa-Real, adding: “ Congratulations, in behalf of my boss Bobby de Ocampo, chairman of Veterans Bank, it is an honor and privilege to highlight the success of this annual event.”
The Regional Governor of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Mr. Ruben Vegafria who is himself an honoree of the event, was requested to deliver a keynote speech.
“ It is a rare privilege and honor and a humbling experience to give my message to this event tonight. I find it rewarding because I was once invited as member of the board of judges of this project 12 years ago. With tonight’s MDN 9th MBLEA, I am happy that the same trust and confidence to Mr. Sudaria is in place.
Thank you for your tenacity and true grit in pursuing the industry even when reports indicated that 1,800 news papers have closed down during the pandemic, and yet MDN is here to stay “My friends Media is important in the industries. Magpasalamat kita sa media for what they have done. Quoting an MDN column, he added: It is only in sharing that what you have will reap a very good fruit. Running their business amid health crisis MDN group will always stay. In behalf of PCCI, the largest business organization today, we are thankful for events like this. Leadership thru collaboration is how to feel and recognize achievements like what MDN is doing today,” Vagafria concluded.
The awardees who received the Outstanding Leader plaque/citation in various categories were : Anakciano, Inc. (for Agriculture and Agro Industry),represented by Aisa Zulita; and Kenram Palmoil represented by Jessie Mongcal;
For the Hotel & Restaurant category: Seda Hotel CDO, represented by Ms. Carol Valdez; Waterfront Insular Hotel of Davao City, represented by Ali Banting, Julius Vinuya and Paolo Rosello;
For the LGU Govt Business Enterprise category: BUGEMCO (Bukidnon Govt Employees Cooperative, represented by Richel Okit, CPA chairman; Ramygen Padua, and Kerwin Vortudazo.
For the Social Entrepreneur awards: One Closet Butuan represented by Ma. Isabela Blanca, Myrna Blanca, and Rachelle Morta ; and HCML Logistics represented by Deo Anthony Alcudia;
For the Micro Entrepreneur category : Timyas Litson represented by Ms. Aiza Lipit; Fatzo’s Lechon represented by Kayce James Eduria, Leo Eduria and MaanEduria; and D Last Bites.
For the Tourism and Resorts category: Amaya View represented by Mrs. Erlinda Unabia; Ultrawinds represented by Ms. Jane Angeles; Joan Maandig and Sandy Tagapulot.
For Mega Entrepreneur category, awardees were Anflocor Corp; Paglas Corp., and DMI Inc. John Himan
The Outstanding Business Organization Leaders were PCCI Governor Ruben Vegafria, and China Bank Area Head for Mindanao Ms. Agnes Adviento.
Awardees for Realty Development were Coral Estates and Ecoverde Homes.
The judges were also conferred plaques of appreciation by Chairman Dante Sudaria and co-presenter Veterans Bank 1st Vice President, Miguel Villa-Real . They were: Soroptimist International CDO president Atty. Rhodelyn Mae Roa; Cagayan de Oro City information officer Ivy Guantero; PhilHealth 10 information officer Merlyn Ybañez; Soroptimist International CDO vice president Dyan Stephanie Noble; Soroptimist International past president Teresita Brioso; former JCI Kagayhaan Gold president Paul Andro Subere; BusinessWeek Mindanao vice president for business development Ruffy Magbanua.
The 9th Mindanao Business Leaders & Entrepreneurs Awards is presented by Mindanao Daily; Veterans Bank; and Ayala Corp.; with event Major sponsors and partners Ayala Mall Centrio, CEPALCO , Dessert Boss, Primavera City, and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-10.
Cited also for their various support were Minor Sponsors: FDC; PhilHealth Region 10; Teascape; Apple Tree Resort and Hotel; Department of Tourism 10; Mordeno Law Office; PepsCola; Del Monte Philippines; San Miguel Beer Corp; Lilpat Lechon; Yoyong Lechon; Dynasty Court Hotel; L1lpat Lechon; Mordeno Law Office and Steag.
