Benito Sy Gaisano, entrepreneur par excellence

A well-known name in Cebu business was recently honored with the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award. It is a well-deserved recognition.

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) recognized Benito Sy Gaisano, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Gaisano Grand Group as the entrepreneur of the year during the 15th annual grand Chamber Awards, which was held at the Pacific Grand Ballroom Waterfront Cebu City Hotel. CCCI continues to foster an atmosphere of excellence and dynamism in the business community

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The award was conferred by Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, the special guest of honor. She was assisted by CCCI president Samuel Chioson; Cebu Business Month chairman Felix Taguiam; Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes; Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) president Ambassador Francis Chua; PCCI chairman Emeritus Miguel Varela, a lawyer; awards committee chairman Jose Ng; and Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala.

Gaisano is the man behind the success of the Gaisano Grand Mall chain in Cebu and other Southern Philippines provinces. He also owns and operates the Grand Regal Hotel chain, warehouse complexes and other property developments in the region.

In his acceptance speech, Gaisano emphasized on the full support of his wife Gina and the dedication and hard work of his five daughters who were actively involved in the business and contributed a lot in the growth of the Gaisano Grand Group.

Delegates from the chambers of commerce all over the Visayas, as well as the PCCI, attended the awards night. It was in time for the 19th Visayas Area Business Conference gala night, which was hosted by the CCCI. Diplomats, local government officials and friends from the media also graced the evening of camaraderie.

The Gaisano family, their suppliers and the CCCI-South Africa and Macau Business Council were in full force to show support to Gaisano during the affair. CCCI also recognized businessmen who have made valuable contribution to the business community.

The Grand Chamber Award of Distinction 2010 was given to Ayala Corporation represented by its chairman and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala for its exemplary and conscientious adoption of sustainable development in all its strategies, practices and activities as exemplified by its distinction for being the first ever group of companies to issue a GRI-complaint sustainability report in the Philippines.

The Cebu chamber also granted the Emerging Entrepreneur award to Wesley Chiongbian, president and CEO of Mynimo.com;. Edgar Sia Jr., chairman and CEO of Mang Inasal Philippines Inc. for the Young Entrepreneur; Mr. and Mrs. Peter and Susan Holaysan, proprietors of Sta. Fe Resort for the Countryside Entrepreneur of the Year; Rey Calooy, proprietor and president of RNC Marketing for the Small Business Entrepreneur and architect Lourdes Martinez Onozawa, CEO of Environment Design Inc. as the Environmentally Responsible Entrepreneur.

Special citations were also given to engineer. Rey Mercede, general manager of Amcha Toledo Multi-Purpose Cooperative and USC Kapamilya Negosyo Na! for being the vehicle of social transformation in promoting entrepreneurship and developing the individual’s self-reliance and business acumen.

GMA-7 Kapuso celebrity, Rhian Ramos, did a musical interlude that amazed the guests with her voice and stunning beauty.

Raffle prizes were also given away to the guests during the night such hotel accommodations, dining experience and airline tickets both domestic and international destination. (Robby M. Alugar)