Agribusiness, food entrepreneurs dominate cast of EOY hopefuls

Nominations for the Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) Philippines 2004, which came from all over the country, represented a wide range of industries particularly agribusiness according to the SGV Foundation, Inc., which spearheads the annual awards program.

SGV Foundation chairman David L. Balangue said nominees from the agribusiness and food sectors make up 42 percent of this year’s roster from among whom will be chosen the category winners and the Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines 2004.

Balangue pointed out that the predominance of agribusiness entrepreneurs proves that the Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines awards are timely. "Each year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines committee has an industry-specific category and this year, the industry being recognized is agribusiness as it continues to be a fundamental and crucial contributor to the Philippine economy," he said.

Close to 50 nominations were submitted. The nominees were then ranked financially using a system used by all Entrepreneur Of The Year participating countries. Nominees who made the short list will be interviewed by the committee. Based on the interviews, the committee will further trim the list and select the finalists. A distinguished panel of judges will then select the winners from among the finalists. The finalists and winners will be recognized in a grand awards banquet on Feb. 24, 2005 at the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-la.

"Generations of entrepreneurs have made an immeasurable contribution to the prosperity of nations, and to the quality of lives of people. We are delighted to play a role in the promotion and celebration of the spirit of entrepreneurship in Philippines, and the economic and social benefits it brings to the community," said Akbar Shah, managing director, The Citigroup Private Bank, which is a major sponsor of the EOY Philippines award.

Added Shah: "Our commitment to recognize outstanding entrepreneurs goes beyond the Philippines. In the Asia-Pacific region, we are in partnership with Ernst & Young for similar awards in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and India."

The Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines was launched last year. Jollibee Foods Corp. president and CEO Tony Tan Caktiong became the first Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines and eventually won the title of World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2004 in rites held in Monte Carlo, Monaco last May 29. Tan Caktiong bested 30 other Entrepreneur Of The Year titlists from other countries such as Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The Entrepreneur Of The Year was developed by global professional services firm Ernst & Young in 1986 in the United States to herald the accomplishments of the country’s best entrepreneurs and to celebrate entrepreneurial spirit that spurs economic growth and financial well-being of communities. In 2001, Ernst & Young expanded the program and launched the World Entrepreneur Of The Year awards.

Other sectors represented in the list of nominees for Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines 2004 include multilevel marketing, entertainment, wholesale and retail, manufacturing, petroleum, export, professional services, technology, health, beauty, water supply and beverage dealership.

Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines coordinator Rodolfo Reyes also said about 25 percent of the nominations came from the Visayas and Mindanao with the bulk still coming from Luzon.

The strategic partner institutions for the EOY Philippines 2004 program are the Bankers Association of the Philippines, Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Business for Social Progress, and the University of the Philippines College of Business Administration. Apart from The Citigroup Private Bank, other sponsors are San Miguel Corp., official carrier Air France-KLM and official media CNN International.