Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry awards top entrepreneurs

During the Grand Chamber Awards and Fellowship Night of CBM 2018 last June 29, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) recognized Cebu’s top Entrepreneurs of the Year.


The CCCI awarded six entrepreneurs. First award, the Innovative Entrepreneur was given to Chester Lim. He is the Vice President for Administration for Belmont Hardware Depot. He introduced the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) concept to their operations and installed new inventory systems. The company was known as Cebu Belmont, Inc. in 1973. It is one of the earliest adaptors of innovative technology in Cebu.

Second award, the Countryside Entrepreneur of the Year is Ma. Elena Limocon. She is the General Manager of Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative. The company is an agriculture-based cooperative. Today, it continues to put people at the center of development and social change.

Another award, the Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year award was given to Alfredo Relucio. He is the CEO of Cebu Iron Foundry Corporation. He was exposed to foundry growing up. This was key in the creation of his own business.

Fourth, the Most Inspiring Woman Entrepreneur is Fe Barino. She is the Vice Chairman of the Duros Group of Companies. She rose above adversity by abiding by her family values. She took that inspiration and instilled it in her business ventures. Fifth, the Socially Responsible Entrepreneur is Paulette Liu. She runs Primary Structure Educational Foundation, Inc. It is a corporate foundation that alleviates poverty by providing technical vocational education.


Lastly, the Entrepreneur of the Year is Mario King. Mario King established Nito’s International Ventures Inc. in 2000. In his years of entrepreneurship, the most rewarding moment is seeing the younger generation work together harmoniously and effectively. He tells his children to take an active part in the business as shareholders. He also tells them to be grateful. He said that this is one value that aspiring entrepreneurs should have. His advice is to enhance and embrace this virtue. He points out that when you are grateful, you see things as gifts.


The night concluded with a performance by El Gamma Penumbra, 2015 Asia’s Got Talent Grand Champion. (Janna Yuvallos)