Promoting Philippines to Asean

For the past few years, more and more Philippine companies are taking the ASEAN center stage as they showcase Filipino creativity and innovation. Through their company-owned branches or franchisees, Filipino companies are taking over industries by introducing Filipino flavors, arts and crafts, and genuine service. Their growth have become unprecedented and have inspired others to take on the challenge of going global.

The ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC) launched the ASEAN Business Awards (ABA) in 2007 to recognize outstanding ASEAN companies contributing to ASEAN’s growth and prosperity. ABA also serves as a platform to further spread information about the regional integration of the ASEAN Economic Community.

Since its launch, ABA has recognized more than 100 companies across the region who have all shown exemplary performance to become potential global players.

From the Philippines alone, we have more than 40 companies and entrepreneurs who have been awarded in the prestigious ASEAN Business Awards. Last year, we had an overwhelming number of applicants from the Philippines and eventually got the highest number of winners in Singapore’s hosting of ABA. Century Pacific Foods, led by Ricardo Po Sr. and Chris Po, also won an award in the family business category which recognized their company for its outstanding performance and sustainable growth.

Previous awardees from the Philippines share their insights as to how ABA has changed their game at the ASEAN level. Sherill Quintana of Oryspa shared, “Bagging the ASEAN Business Excellence Awards in healthcare, Oryspa became a true inspiration to other MSMEs in the country that a Filipino brand can make it to the ASEAN Business Awards. Oryspa was able to strengthen its promotion in the international market a bit more easily, gaining more credibility and confidence in presenting our brand to partners and clients in the ASEAN market.” She added that Filipino companies should join ABA in order to promote their businesses regionally and contribute to the economic regional integration.

Bernie Liu of Golden ABC Inc., which won the priority integration sector in retail award last 2017, also shared that ABA winners show the country’s best. “The past Filipino winners of ABA prove that Filipino companies have what it takes to be amongst the best of the best. The recognition we have received from the ABA affirmed our effort to elevate our standards, thereby boosting the morale of our employees who have worked very hard for this. Aiming for it rallied our people to achieve this milestone; being recognized for it further galvanized our team’s resolve to become a truly world class organization.”

We believe that through awards like ABA, micro, small and medium companies across the region will be encouraged to improve their businesses, bring it to the next level, and eventually be given a spotlight in the international market.

“I believe it is good for Filipino businesses to join the ABA 2019 to promote our Philippine products and services, for the ASEAN community to know that we produce quality, innovative products which redounds to the benefit of our country and all the Filipino people,” Olivia Limpe Aw of Destileria Limtuaco (priority integration sector in agrifood 2018 awardee) shared.

William Belo of Wilcon Depot, which won the priority integration sector in retail award last year, encourages Philippine companies to be part of ASEAN integration. “Globalization is the name of the game, we need to be part of ASEAN, there are limitless opportunities that we can tap.”

This year, as Thailand hosts the ASEAN Business Awards 2019, we look forward to a new batch of awardees who will be exemplars in the region as we all push for inclusive prosperity. Award categories include: (1) Priority integration sectors – agri-based, ICT, aviation, infrastructure, automotive, logistics, electronics, retail, energy, rubber-based, finance, textiles, fisheries, tourism, food and beverage, wood-based, and healthcare; (2) SME excellence – corporate social responsibility, employment, growth, and innovation; (3) Family business; (4) Young entrepreneur; (5) Sustainable social enterprise; (6) Green enterprise; (7) Startup and ide (innovation driven entrepreneur); (8) Skill development; and (9) Women entrepreneur.

I encourage all Filipino enterprises to apply and be part of the ASEAN Business Awards 2019! This is a great chance for all of you to show ASEAN and the world what Filipino businesses can offer.

For more information and to apply for ASEAN Business Awards 2019, visit www.aseanbac2019.org.