‘‘Share blessings with the poor”

CEBU, Philippines - While businesses were recognized for having been very beneficial to Cebu’s growth, a business icon is encouraging them to reach out and give whatever help they can to the poorest of the poor.

“My message is I encourage all of you to share what you have to those who do not have,” said Dr. Norberto B. Quisumbing, the chairman of Cebu-based Norkis Group of Companies. “For when you do that, you will please God and at the same time develop the Philippines.”

The Cebuano businessman said that in the Philippines there are a lot of people who are in need of help from those who are in good condition in terms of lifestyle and livelihood.

“Unfortunately, there are millions forsaken who really need the help from those who have.”

Specifically, he told successful entrepreneurs and companies to distribute blessings to the poor and that they should dedicate something for them. By doing so, he added, they not only uplift their status but also improve their quality of living.

Quisumbing, who used to be president of Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was granted the Grand Chamber Award of Distinction during Saturday’s Grand Chamber Awards and Fellowship Night of this year’s Cebu Business Month.

The Norkis chairman shared the humble beginnings of his motorcycle manufacturing firm which started in 1962 with only five workers. But now it has grown to more than 3,000 employees and around 300 branches nationwide.

With that, the chairman also shared a formula for business success: quality of team (workforce), good leadership, adoption of best business practices and reviewing these from time to time and learning the experiences from other successful business leaders.

Efficiency and honesty, he stressed, are two very vital elements of success: “In the success of an undertaking or enterprise, the government or the private sector can’t be efficient without also being honest.”

“How can you be good if you cheat or steal?” he asked people both in the private and public sectors, advising them to always put their minds and hearts on whatever they do and achieving quality of work.

Moreover, Carlos G. Co, president of Cebu Oversea Hardware Corporation Incorporated, was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year. Co, past CCCI president, has been serving the company for 29 years now in terms of sales improvement of its hardware construction and finishing materials.

The Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year was also awarded to Dr. Odysseus C. Camarillo, proprietor and general manager of Cebu Veterinary Doctors Animal Clinical Center which started with only two staff.

But now, his clinic has already 46 workers and five outlets in Metro Cebu.

Marcelino C. Co was named Countryside Entrepreneur of the Year for being able to bring employment in the locality or outside the central district; thus, enhancing the livelihood and living standards of the people.

Co’s company, the Twin Tower Farms Cebu Corporation, is considered to be the biggest broiler farm in the Southern Philippines under contract with San Miguel Foods Incorporated

Vince Yap, named Young Entrepreneur of the Year, is president of Nice Day! Carwash which now has 23 branches in Cebu province and has been operating since 2002.

Meanwhile, CCCI President Ma. Teresa Chan told reporters in an interview that it is only good to know and recognize these people for giving inspiration and setting an example to the others.

As the business month nears to a close, Chan is confident that the forums and seminars done throughout the month have helped a lot to the members of the business community in terms of capacity building.

The president also expressed hopes that industry players are now ready for the full execution of the ASEAN economic integration which, she said has already reached 97percent of implementation.

However, she also urged entrepreneurs to be not only good in their respective businesses but should also make an effort to be advocates for environment preservation.

She assured that the chamber will continue to support the initiatives of the local government officials.

“We don’t claim to be the leader,” Chan noted. “It’s just good to note what PPPs (public-private partnerships) can do for development.” (FREEMAN)