Sustained progress in an evolving world

CEBU, Philippines - Prosperity has to come. And it came indeed for 50-year-old Hardwares Consolidated Inc.

But like most species in an evolving world, HCI has to adapt or perish.

This challenge makes the HCI presidency (two-year term) astounding, according to its newly installed leader Mr. Anthony Lim, and at the same time an honor. "To continue the work of my esteemed predecessors and my fellow officers, making our organization Hardwares Consolidated Inc. bigger, better and more worthy of its name is a great honor for me," Lim expressed in his acceptance speech during the 21st Induction of Officers and Trustees (2013-2015) and 50th Anniversary Celebration last March 2.

"To carry on its proud history of excellent service to the community, building value and sharing social responsibility - an honorable task; to foster closer relationship, creating connections and enthusiasm so we may develop a deeper bond amongst members; striving and motivating everyone to join us to become partners for progress in this evolving world, these are my goals," he added.

He pointed out that nothing is more contagious in this world than enthusiasm. Taking cue from his mentor outgoing HCI president Jaime Sy of Ho tong Hardware Inc., he is bent on pushing for new training programs, further development and management of human resources, seminars on growth of businesses, strengthening partnerships and business match-ups by introducing new suppliers to members of the said club.

"With these, we would be an organization better, bigger and more worthy of its name," Lim reiterated.

Keynote speaker Consul General Zhang Weiguo of the Consulate of the People's Republic of China in Cebu underscored the role of Filipino-Chinese in Cebu's economic prosperity and encouraged the community to adapt to the changing trends in this business sector.

Aside from the consulate-general, guests include officials of the Sibu Hardware Importers Association and Kota Kinabalu Hardware, Machinery and Building Materials Traders Association of Sabah, Malaysia.

History

In 1963, Hardwares Consolidated Inc. was established by a dynamic group passionate about the hardware industry. The association's goal is to fulfill its commitments to stakeholders both in protecting its general welfare and in collaborating with the buying public. Though the association has played a vital role in the commercial life of Cebu, it has shun itself from the spotlight, until 1984 when they held the induction of officers of then Cebu Plaza Hotel (known today as Marco Polo Plaza Hotel where they gathered for the 50th anniversary celebration).

The spirit to serve for Cebu's progress allowed this group of young, dynamic and visionary hardware men to sit down together and speak of greater probabilities. With aggressive vision, they agreed to form the nucleus of an association comprising businessmen engaged in hardware and construction commercial activities.

They believe that such an association is essential not only in the advancement of educational, social and economic condition of dealers in hardware and construction materials; it is likewise vital in the progress of Cebu Province.

The nine men who initiated this far-reaching idea were James Ferrero Lim of Lim Bonfing Sons, Inc.; Felimon Go of Go Occo and Co; Co Tiong of Cebu Oversea Hardware Co., Inc.; Antonio Chua Ng Koa of Cathay Hardware; Vicente Oh Cong Sui of Eastern Hardware; Pantaleon Cimafranca of Ho Tong Hardware Inc.; Samson Y. Ong of Valtaw General Merchandising; Ang Soc Poe of Ang Teico Sons Co.; and Francisco L. Benedicto of B. Benedicto and Sons Co., Inc. (FREEMAN)