8th Grand Chamber Awards: CCCI names Benedicto Entrepreneur of the Year

CEBU, Philippines - This year’s Grand Chamber Awards recognized the exemplary contribution of Cebuano legendary business icon and diplomat Consul Enrique L. Benedicto on his successful helm as the father of one of Cebu’s largest cement manufacturing firms—Mabuhay Filcement Inc.

Benedicto was awarded last night at the 18th Grand Chamber Awards held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino to culminate the month-long celebration of the Cebu Business Month (CMB 20013) in the major “Entrepreneur of the Year” award, which is given annually by the Chamber to honor the men and women in Cebu business sector who contributed to the economic strength of the booming second largest city in the Philippines.

Benedicto, the current Honorary Consul for Belgium in Cebu, has held significant positions in the various successful companies, such as the Benedicto & Sons Co., Inc.; Berben Wood Industries, Inc.; Enrison Holdings, Inc.; Benedicto Ventures, Inc.; Cebu Grand Industries Corporation Grand Steel, Inc.; Enrison Land, Inc.; and Bernardo Benedicto Foundation.

He was also the former trustee of Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and has also been an independent director of Cebu Holdings, Inc. and Salcon Power Corporation since September 2008.

Mabuhay Filcement, Inc. is a Board of Investment (BOI) registered firm with the latest state-of-the-art technology in manufacturing and engineering design. The company stands in its priority commitment to deliver excellent cement products and related services through its three brands—Mabuhay Portland; Mabuhay Premium; and Mabuhay Pozzolan cement.

Shamrock Bakery & Restaurant Corporation, Cebu’s pride in “delicacy” pasalubong making, made it as this year’s “Countryside  Entrepreneur of the Year” awardee, given to the person who is at the helm of Shamrock’s brand success—Sergio Antonio V. Paras Jr.,

Chilo James P. Delantor’s Chilen’s Chicharon made him as the 2013 “Small Business Entrepreneur” awardee, as the brand continues to identify Cebu’s unique taste of chicharon making, which is not only patronized by Cebuanos and Filipinos alike for years, but also by the international market.

The spotlight also directed to Vito Angelo D. Selma in excelling as the “Young Entrepreneur of the Year” awardee bannering his example in making waves as young businessman through his company—Stonesets International Inc.

The Chamber’s board of judges was composed of the past president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) led by Geromino D. Sta. Ana as chairman.

Emphasizing the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) to every business organization, this year’s Grand Chamber Awards put the spotlight to the exemplary social works of local pharmaceutical company—International Pharmaceutical Inc. (IPI).

IPI Foundation, Inc. got the “CSR Institution of the Year” award.

The Chamber also recognized the contributions of the major players in the academe sector, in a “Special Citations” award. These are  the Center of International Education Global Colleges, Inc.; Cebu Doctors University; Velez College; University of Cebu; Sacred Heart School—Hijas de Jesus; Sacred Heart School—Ateneo de Cebu; Philippines Christian Gospel School; University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R); Southwestern University; Cebu Institute of Technology—University; St. Theresa’s College; University of Southern Philippines-Foundation; University of the Visayas; Cebu Eastern University; College de la Inmaculada Conception and the University of San Carlos. /JMD (FREEMAN)