MCCI honors business icons in first M awards

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) recognized five iconic companies in its first ever chamber awards, dubbed as M Awards, since the business organization’s inception 50 years ago.

The MCCI Awards, which was officially launched during the culmination of the month-long Mandaue Business Month 2016, recognized awardees under the following categories; Foreign Investor, Global Brand, Local Product, Destination of the Year, and Mentor of the Year.

“Mandaue Chamber seeks to recognize the businesses and products that have reached iconic status, to serve as inspiration to the community,” said MCCI president Glenn Soco.

The chamber likewise chose the very best in the industry for their exemplary business acumen, contributions to society and their ability to innovate.

Dedon Manufacturing Corporation was named as the Chamber's Foreign Investor of the year, with its outstanding contribution to the Philippine furniture industry, generating local employment, spurring innovation and cultivating design excellence.

Processed food exporter Profood International Corporation bagged the Local Brand of the Year, for the company's success in setting up a standard of brand leadership and Philippine product innovation with profound global influence.

Mandaue's famous "Masareal" maker Didang's Masareal is this year's Local Product awardee for its excellent product quality, representing the food culture of Mandaue.

Businessman Leo Lim Liu is the Chamber's Mentor of the Year awardee, for his lifetime of leadership, his legacy of business excellence reflected in the triumph of the family enterprise and effective succession, perpetuating long-held business values through the next generation.

Destination of the Year award was given to Parkmall shopping mall for its innovation in destination shopping and creating a unique lifestyle environment for shoppers in the Mandaue area.

The stylish trophy for the awards was designed by internationally-renowned furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue.

As this only marked the first, the chamber’s Board of Trustees plans to develop more award categories in the coming years to give recognition to the many different ways that businesses, brands and entrepreneurs can succeed, Soco said.

Soco is the fifth president of the business organization since its revival in 2004. (FREEMAN)