CCCI names Jack Gaisano "Entrepreneur of the Year"

CEBU, Philippines - The success of the Gaisano-led conglomerate Vicsal Development Corporation (Vicsal), the operator of retail giant Metro Gaisano, has taken the spotlight in Cebu’s business community, as its top honcho Jack S. Gaisano was named as this year’s “Entrepreneur of the Year” during the 17th “Chamber Awards” of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).Jack’s exemplary leadership in making the “Metro Gaisano” a household brand not only in Cebu, but also in highly competitive retail environment in Metro Manila, has made Cebuanos’ much prouder, demonstrating the Cebuanos’ leadership in entrepreneurship.

Aside from Metro Gaisano, Vicsal also operates various businesses across industries, such as investment house (Vicsal Investment House Inc.,) banking (WealthBank), securities and stock brokerage, Filipino Fund Inc., Prime Asia, real estate company—Taft Property Venture Development Corporation, Pacific Mall Operation, Grand Holidays Travel and Tours Inc., and Cargo Bayan, Inc.

“We are fortunate to be in Cebu. People are frugal and passionate,” said Gaisano attributing the company’s success to its employees who are dedicated and passionate to their work that made the company where it is now.

More importantly, according to Gaisano, although Vicsal’s success story in business is “not out of ordinary,” what made the company soar and thrive amid the highly competitive and crises-stricken business environment, is the what his parents taught to them in upholding “team work, integrity and hardwork.”

Incorporated in 1981, Metro opened its first department store and supermarket in 1982. Its inception was through the vision of the late Victor Gaisano, a seasoned retailer and or the revered members of the Gaisano family.

The Gaisanos owned and managed the former White Gold Department Store, the first department store and supermarket business in Cebu. White Gold lasted for 30 years and became the largest of its kind since its establishment in 1949.

With the help of his wife—Sally and four children—Margaret, Jack, Edward and Frank, Victor Gaisano envisioned a department store and supermarket that will offer quality and variety of merchandise in a friendly atmosphere.

Today, Metro Gaisano is present in major cities around the country, in Metro Manila, and Luzon as well as other provinces in the Visayas.

The Chamber also recognized the contribution of the Aboitiz Group to Cebu’s prestige in business, by giving the recognition of “Distinction Award” to Erramon I. Aboitiz, the president and chief executive officer of Aboitiz Equity Ventures and Aboitiz Power Corporation.

More than just being a successful enterprise, AEV and its business units are committed towards constantly striking a triple balance of People, Profit, and Planet.

This year’s Grand Chamber Awards also give special recognition to other businessmen and women who excel in their respective businesses, in small business operations, socially responsible entrepreneur, CSR Institution of the year.

Exporter Ramir H. Bonghanoy, of Bon-Ace Fashion Tools, Inc., bagged the Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year award. The president of cement company Taiheiyo Cement Philippines Inc., Satoshi F. Asami was recognized as “Socially Responsible Entrepreneur of the Year.”

Asociaciion Benevola DE Cebu, Inc., the group that manages the Chung Hua Hospital, was given the “CSR Institution of the Year” award.

One of the highlights during the Grand Chamber Awards held at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu Friday night, was the giving of citations to the micro entrepreneurs from all over Cebu province, whose backyard and home-based businesses are on their way to success.

The countryside micro entrepreneurs recognized by the Cebu business community, include; Nazaria Colminas of Villa NC’s Eculenta Cookies, in Tudela Camotes Island; Myrna Bicalas owner of POSSAW, in Pilar Camotes; Lorna Dy for successful Tableya making in Sogod Cebu; Leonial Orio of Nila & Noel’s Fashion Accessories, in Borbon, Cebu; Roselo Areja Jr., of Catmon’s Native Chicken (carenderia); and Jose Mapa, for making a success in commercial “Tuba” (Coco wine) trading through his “Joe’s Tuba in Sibonga, Cebu.