Ilonggo entrepreneurs succeed

MANILA, Philippines – Alfonso Uy, owner of La Filipina Uy Gongco Corp., remembers being the most hardworking 15-year-old in Iloilo.

Now 69, he shares the story of how his father started their business and how he became a well-trained entrepreneur.

The roots of La Filipina started way back in 1901 when Alfonso’s father began a small bakeshop and grocery store. He diversified into importation and distribution that helped him develop a reputable business before World War II.

During the war, however, business faltered. Alfonso’s father also passed away. During the post-war period of

reconstruction, his eldest brother took over the business.

Because of the losses and complications brought about by the war, the following years were hardly a success for the business.

In 1954, the then 15-year-old Alfonso was told that his family could not support him through school anymore. He then decided to join the family business.

“I learned from the company. I learned to accept responsibility,” said Alfonso. He learned the value of understanding and patience at a young age, to give respect to and satisfy the demands of customers. After finishing his chemical engineering degree, magna cum laude, and coming in second in the board exams, he became manager of their company.

In the ensuing years, various opportunities opened up and they started other businesses such as sugar mills, shipping services, post harvest facilities, real estate development, feeds milling, livestock, and property development services, among others.

As an entrepreneur who started with the basics of business at a young age, Alfonso shares some tips for would-be entrepreneurs.

“Nothing takes the place of hard work. Entrepreneurship is all about taking risks and business opportunities. Learn how to plan and learn the technicalities of business – finances, human relations, governance, etc. Perseverance must also always be a constant.

“The value of honesty is also important. Nothing compares to integrity. An entrepreneur must also think that he is never alone – maintain a good partnership with stakeholders, customers, and employees. It’s also an advantage to maintain credit worthiness.

“Lending institutions can be of great help with major projects that need support. Above all, an entrepreneur must also have real faith in God,” said Alfonso.

Aside from his company responsibilities, Alfonso is now also the chairman of the board of Central Philippine University in Iloilo, chairman of the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, and vice president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Another entrepreneur, Edgar Sia II, known as “Injap,” started the famous Mang Inasal almost five years ago.

To open the very first branch of the business at Robinsons Iloilo, Injap borrowed an initial capital of P2.4 million from his parents. After the first branch opened on Dec. 12, 2003, Mang Inasal became an instant hit with the masses. As they expanded, Mang Inasal also expanded the choices of food to satisfy the customers’ preferences.

Injap opened up to franchising after two years of operation.

Mang Inasal wants to set itself apart so Injap established a distinctive mark of “Pinoy” through his presentation of products, such as stamp-grilling with charcoal, rice wrapped in banana leaves, marinade of local spices and herbs, and kinamot style (Ilonggo for “eating with hands”) whenever chicken inasal is served.

Today, Mang Inasal has 71 branches nationwide. Injap’s primary goal is to open 100 stores by the end of 2008 and about 300 stores by the 2012.

Mang Inasal is also proud to do its share by giving jobs to people, and effectively stimulating economic activity in communities where branches are situated. Local suppliers of calamansi, charcoal, banana leaves, sorbetes, vegetables, fish, bamboo sticks, and other ingredients as well as local government units, pedicab drivers, and a host of other enterprises are gaining from the opportunities presented and provided by Mang Inasal in their area.

Injap owns other businesses like Mr. Labada, Deco’s Original Lapaz Batchoy, and the Four Seasons Hotel.

On Sept. 12, Alfonso and Injap will be given the Most Inspiring Ilonggo Entrepreneur Awards by Go Negosyo sa Iloilo, the latest leg of the continuing Go Negosyo campaign spearheaded by Presidential Consultant for Entrepreneurship Jose Ma. Concepcion III at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, Central Philippine University, Iloilo City.

Go Negosyo sa Iloilo is presented by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship in partnership with the Iloilo Business Club chairman Antonio Jon, DTI Region VI director Dominic Abad and Taytay sa Kauswagan, Inc. president Angel De Leon.

Presidential Management Staff Secretary Cerge Remonde, also the chairman of the Cabinet Oversight Committee for MSME Development, will grace Go Negosyo sa Iloilo.

Member agencies will also be present to reach out to the participants.

The Iloilo Business Club, Micro Finance Council of the Philippines, and Taytay sa Kauswagan, Inc. endorsed the awardees.

Go Negosyo sa Iloilo is also made possible by major partners Iloilo Business Club, PLDT SME Nation, Smart Communications, Globe Business, Condura, RFM Corp., Ariel, Entrepreneurs School of Asia, and San Miguel Corp.

Go Negosyo also thanks corporate partners: Splash Corp., V-cargo, Kettle Korn, and Iloilo Supermart; media partners: The Philippine STAR, GMA 7, QTV 11, Philippine Daily Inquirer, ASPAC-LAW, Full Circle Communications, Select Media, Creativevoices, Idealminds, ABS-CBN Iloilo, MOR For Life! Iloilo, GMA Iloilo, Super Radyo Iloilo, and Campus Radio Iloilo; venue partners: Central Philippine University and Amigo Terrace Hotel; government partners: The President’s Social Fund, Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee-Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Department of Trade and Industry, Iloilo Provincial Government, and Iloilo City Government; other partners: Ateneo de Manila University Graduate School of Business-Center for Continuing Education, Bennch Transport Services and Rent A Car, and F & E Enterprises.

(Editor's Note: This story also appears in the Social Responsibility section of Best of the Philippines).