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3rd ProgreCebu Awards honor Cebu visionaries

The Philippine Star

July 25, 2026 | 12:00am

3rd ProgreCebu Awards honor Cebu visionaries

The Freeman ProgreCebu Awards honored a new set of awardees on its third year, recognizing Cebu’s key leaders, institutions and destinations that have helped shape the province’s progress. Shown during the awards night held at the Bai Hotel Cebu are (from left) The Freeman GM Melandro Mendoza; Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Barbara Gothong-Tan; Most Distinguished Destination award, received by Moalboal Mayor’s Secretary Daisy Mae Layese and tourism officer Liz Arden Aquino; ProgreCebu Excellence Award recipient, designer and couturier Cary Santiago; Most Distinguished Individual awardee Cebu Landmasters Inc. executive chairman Jose Soberano III; Most Distinguished Institution award, received by International Pharmaceuticals Inc. VP for brand management John Rey Villorente and digital marketing manager Genie Marie Flordeliz; and The Freeman vice chairman John Vicente Gullas.

MANILA, Philippines — Cebu’s trailblazers in business, tourism, culture and enterprise took center stage Wednesday night as The Freeman, in partnership with the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), honored the province’s outstanding individuals, institutions and destinations during the 3rd ProgreCebu Awards at Bai Hotel Cebu.

Held as part of The Freeman’s 107th anniversary celebration, the annual awards have become a platform recognizing excellence, innovation and leadership among those helping shape Cebu into one of the country’s leading economic and cultural hubs.

This year’s Most Distinguished Individual award was presented to Jose Soberano III, executive chairman of Cebu Landmasters Inc., in recognition of his transformative leadership in the real estate industry and his significant contributions to Cebu’s economic growth.

The Municipality of Moalboal was named Most Distinguished Destination for championing sustainable tourism and establishing itself as one of the country’s premier ecotourism destinations.

Known worldwide for its iconic sardine run, vibrant dive sites, Panagsama Beach and the marine biodiversity of Pescador Island, Moalboal continues to attract thousands of local and international visitors each year while promoting responsible tourism.

International Pharmaceuticals Inc. (IPI) received the Most Distinguished Institution award for its decades-long contribution to Cebu’s manufacturing sector, its trusted health care products and its role in generating employment while expanding sustainable business operations.

Meanwhile, internationally acclaimed fashion designer Cary Santiago received the ProgreCebu Excellence Award for elevating Cebu’s creative industry on the global stage. His couture creations have earned international recognition while inspiring a new generation of Filipino designers.

In his video message, PhilSTAR Media Group president and CEO Miguel G. Belmonte emphasized that Cebu’s progress is driven by the people behind its success.

“Cebu is no longer just a leisure destination – it is an investment magnet, an innovation hub and a model of provincial urbanization,” Belmonte said.

“Progress in Cebu across the manufacturing, exports, tech and tourism sectors isn’t just imagined – it is a reality,” he said.