Vision
PCCI is the voice of Philippine business recognized by government and international institutions. As a proactive catalyst of development, PCCI promotes and supports the drive for globally competitive Philippine enterprises in partnership with government, local chambers, and other business organizations.
Mission
The main responsibility of PCCI is to provide focused advocacy for business growth and sustainable development by providing business services for the advancement of grassroots entrepreneurship, chamber development, international trade relations, business innovation and excellence, and operating efficiency. These will be achieved through a professional organization working in close cooperation with various stakeholders in public and private sectors.
PCCI honors three young entrepreneurs during the 48th PBC&E
The PCCI conferred the Injap Sia Outstanding Young Entrepreneurs Award (ISOYEA) to three young and dynamic entrepreneurs during the Philippine Business Conference & Expo last 19 October 2022 at the Manila Hotel.
Vice President Sarah Duterte led the presentation of the award along with PCCI President George T. Barcelon; PCCI Chairman William Co, 48th PBC&E Chair Ferdinand “Perry” Ferrer; and 2022 ISOYEA Chair and Director for SME development Apolinar E. Aure.
Recognized during the awarding ceremony are Rafael L. Pagaling, Owner, Zennor Hydroponics Farm (Agriculture category); Lota L. Manalo, President and CEO, Ginga Agrifood Manufacturing Enterprise Inc.; (Industry category), and Janice P. Ariño, President and CEO, Service Economy Applications Inc. (Service category).
Pagaling owns Zennor Hydroponics Farm, a learning site for agriculture. Zennor Farm is considered the center of excellence when it comes to hydroponics farming. Working alongside the Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI), the Farm caters to interested local and international students, individuals, and groups. It is also an accredited farm tourism site under the Department of Tourism (DOT). Zennor Hydroponics Farm is also the first hydroponics farm with PhilGAP certification in Central Luzon. The Farm produces the best and high-quality fresh vegetables from green leafy vegetables, herbs, and fruit-bearing vegetables.
Manalo founded Ginga Agrifood Manufacturing Enterprise Inc., a manufacturing company that processes all-natural food products locally produced by farming communities in Lobo, Batangas. With the help of the Department of Science and Technology’s SET-UP Program, the company has mechanized, modernized, and streamlined its production processes. It continues to innovate by establishing a Research and Development Team in charge of developing new and premium products. It has also recently acquired Halal Certification for its products. The company also significantly contributes to local economic development by establishing a contract-farming agreement with local farmers in Lobo to supply the company’s raw materials, such that they provide livelihood opportunities, and likewise promote agri-ventures in the municipality.
Arino founded Service Economy Applications Inc., an information and communications technology (ICT) company that first implemented the Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) in the Transportation sector. The company developed FILIPAY, a mobile application that facilitates various transactions through AFCS. FILIPIPAY has been adopted by transport cooperatives under the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. Specifically, the company has a total of 50 signed contracts in Luzon (700 units), Visayas (450 units), and Mindanao (1500 units). To date they are fully operational in the province of CagayanDe Oro, and in PITX.
The panel of judges is comprised of business and government leaders. Chairing the panel was Ms. Pamela Pascual, President and Chair of World Trade Center Management. Judges included Ms. Maria Agnes Angeles, President of Negosyong Pinoy Finance; mr. Lorenzo Formoso, Vice Chairman of the Philippine Retailers Association; Mr. Roberto Claudio, President of GS1 Philippines; Mr. Kenneth Hernandez representing Emma Asusano, OIC Director of the Bureau of Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Development; Ms. Veronica Gabaldon, Executive Director of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation; Mr. Larry Lacson, Vice Chair of PCCI Agriculture Committee; and, Mr. Romualdo Ventura, President and Director of PT Omnipay Indonesia.
The ISOYEA is an annual award that recognizes young entrepreneurs who have made a significant contribution to the economic development of the country by innovating new ideas and developing new markets. It is named after one of the most successful and respected young entrepreneurs in the country, Mr. Edgar “Injap” Sia II, chairman of Double Dragon Properties Corporation. It is implemented by the PCCI SME Development Committee headed by Director for SME Development, Mr. Apolinar E. Aure. --- Kharylle Carnaje