House honors ‘Oishi man’ Carlos Chan for boosting Philippines-China relations

MANILA, Philippines - Businessman Carlos Chan was honored by the House of Representatives as an outstanding Philippine entrepreneur and for his contributions to the strengthening of Philippines-China relations. 

The recognition was given through a resolution introduced by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II and Minority Leader Ronaldo Zamora. 

“Mr. Chan’s business ventures are a prime example of Filipino global competence and competitiveness,” read the resolution. 

Chan proudly flies the Philippine flag in all Oishi factories abroad, the resolution added.

Chan’s “patience, hard work and impeccable timing” transformed Liwayway China Co. Ltd. into one of the largest food manufacturing companies in China,   House leaders said. 

Chan is chairman emeritus of Liwayway Marketing Corp., maker of the famous snack food brand Oishi. 

Chan brought Liwayway to China in the early 1990s just as the country was opening up to foreign investors.

At present, Liwayway has 15 factories in different China provinces. 

Liwayway also has factories in the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, India, Cambodia and Thailand.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo named him special envoy to China and he was re-appointed by President Aquino. 

As special envoy to China, Chan was also conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Datu and the Presidential Medal of Merit by Arroyo, read the resolution.

“The honors were given for his outstanding commitment in promoting the Philippines to other nations, enhancing  the prestige of the country, government and the Filipino people, and for strengthening economic ties between the Philippines and China,” the resolution said. 

Chan expressed gratitude to the House, especially to Belmonte, for the recognition. 

Chan has always been a supporter of efforts for cultural exchanges between citizens of the Philippines and China, noting that the two countries’ cultural and economic ties go a long way back.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. presents a House resolution recognizing Carlos Chan as outstanding entrepreneur yesterday. With them are (from left) Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales, Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona, Minority Leader Ronaldo Zamora, Chan’s wife Priscilla and son Oszen.