Henry Sy gets top commerce award

MANILA, Philippines – SM founder and chairman Henry Sy Sr. is this year’s recipient of the Lakan ng Kalakalan Award given by the Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) yesterday at the Manila Hotel.

He received the award from President Arroyo, ECOP chairman Miguel Valera and ECOP president Sergio Ortiz- Luis.The Lakan ng Kalakalan Award is ECOP’s highest and most prestigious recognition given to outstanding employers who have served as stewards of business and economic development in the country.

The award also champions employer excellence in management and leadership in pioneering organization change and development to strengthen employer-labor relations.

Sy, who is fondly called Tatang by his employees, founded SM as a shoe store in 1958. Today, his companies are a catalyst for employment and business opportunities.

SM has total of 103,381 employees nationwide, including direct hires – 19,081 in its department stores, 3,800 in its management companies, and 28,500 in its retail affiliates; as well as 34,000 consigner demos and 18,000 agency personnel like security guards and janitorial services.

SM also helps generate employment through its suppliers and tenants. Despite the difficult times, this number will be growing as more stores and malls open.During the same event, the SM Retail Group received an award for its Outstanding Achievement on Strategic Visioning and Partnering for Business and Job Survival.