Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
March 30, 2017
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the awarding ceremony of twenty-six businesswomen during the Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs by Go Negosyo at the Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace.
In his keynote speech, President Duterte lauded the awardees and thanked them for developing the landscape of entrepreneurship in the country.
“I hope you will remain a vital partner in nation-building. Further hone your craft, grow your enterprises and nurture the sectors you serve. This will create a great impact on our country’s ongoing transformation. The awards and recognition you have received today will be a legacy to your family, business group, and locality. May you share to them your secrets to success, the positive attitude that made you win your battles, and the principle that you are not only about ‘can do’s’, but also about ‘must do’s,” said the President.
The President also highlighted his campaign against corruption in the government and its effect in the business sector. He urged Filipinos to report government officials who are involved in corrupt practices while in service.
“Sabi ko sa kanila, the first whiff of corruption… I am sorry you have to go. If you encounter any of these scalawags, simply just dial the number 8888, place your complaint, name the official if you want, you need not name yourself, and I will take it from there,” the President said.
This year’s legacy awardees include Mercedes Gotianun of Filinvest Development Corporation, Corazon Ong of CDO Foodsphere, Rosalind Wee of W Group of Companies, and Socorro Ramos of the National Book Store.
The medium-large category awardees were Felicia Atienza (Chinese International School Manila), Ana De Ocampo (Wildflour Café and Bakery), Mary Ann Montemayor (Villa Margarita Hotel & Catering), Gina Lorenzana (Unilever Philippines), Sheree Gotuaco (Omnimoda International), Evelyn Palomo (Great Image), Anne Gonzalez (Terry S.A), and Rebecca Mills (Chalre Associates).
Awards were also given to Honie Krizia Navor (HK Stone Craft Trading), Evellin Daytao (Daytao Native Cakes), Pamela Henares (BuroBuro Springs Vermi Farm), Imelda Dagus (Dennis Coffee Garden), Cherrie Atillano (AGREA), Ester Vitto (Bahag Footwear), Maria Lydia Lomibao (J. Emmanuel Pastries), and Arlene Mabute (Mabute Lumpia Wrapper and Cheese Stick Maker).
Pacita Juan (ECHOstore), Senator Cynthia Villar (Senate of the Philippines), and Doris Magsaysay-Ho (Magsaysay Maritime Corp.) were awarded as Women MSME Development Enablers together with Arizza Nocum (Kris Library and Good Karma Shirts) for the Youth category while Felicitas Pontoja (Coffee for Peace) and Rachel De Villa (Cropital) were awarded for the Inclusive Business category.
The event aimed to recognize women and their capacity to be catalysts for change and to honor their contribution to the nation’s inclusive growth while excelling in their respective fields. It is also in line with Go Negosyo’s celebration of International Women’s Month.
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