A shipping firm executive and a businessman behind the new chain of Three Sixty pharmacies led entrepreneur awardees recognized by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry during last night’s Grand Chamber Awards Night at the Radisson Blu Hotel.
“These people did not start big, but their big dreams have made big leaps for Cebu,” said CCCI president Samuel Chioson in his welcome speech.
“They went out of their shells and innovated to broaden their boundaries which we at CCCI have been pushing – beyond boundaries. We salute them for their success, we salute them for bringing honor to Cebu.”
The gala event closed this year’s celebration of Cebu Business Month.
Chioson said the chamber would continue to pursue its goal to make Cebu the best city in Asia Pacific and achieve economic prosperity for Cebu.
Chester Cokaliong, founder and chief executive officer of Cokaliong Shipping Lines Inc, was chosen Entrepreneur of the Year after successfully steering his shipping firm for more than two decades to become a strong force in the shipping industry.
Last year, four of his vessels were named as the cleanest vessels of the year by the Bureau of Quarantine of the Department of Health and the Maritime Industry Authority in Region 7.
Antonio Yap, owner of the Three Sixty Pharmacy chain, was recognized as the Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year.
As of June, Yap’s company had set up 35 pharmacy outlets in Toledo, Cebu City, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu City.
Three Sixty Pharmacy aims to provide quality products and service within easy reach of neighborhoods.
Other awardees were:
– Ramon L. Chiu of Coastal Highpoint Ventures, Inc. as Socially Responsible Entrepreneur
– Diane Rose U. Ang of What A Girl Wants as Young Entrepreneur
– Rolito Villo of Lolo Tinong’s Bakery as Countryside Entrepreneur; and
– Mary Sy of Cebu La Fortuna Bakery as Small Business Entrepreneur.
CCCI also gave Grand Chamber Beyond Boundaries Awards to Ambassador Francisco L. Benedicto for Foreign Service, Rodrigo Rivera, Sr. for International Industry and Henry S. Sy Sr of SM Group of Companies for Grand Chamber Award of Distinction.
More than a hundred local businessmen attended as well as Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia, Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.
Guests were entertained by GMA’s talents Kyla and Marian Rivera.