Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 13) — “Now is not the time to hold back. Rather, now is the time to go all out. Our country’s future depends on us.”
This is what business tycoon Ramon Ang emphasized when he bagged the top honors in the country’s largest business awards event Tuesday evening.
Ang, President and COO of San Miguel Corporation, received the Lifetime Contributor Award for the Private Sector at the Asia CEO Awards 2020.
The board of judges cited Ang’s leadership which has led SMC to become the Philippines’ top diversified conglomerate and also one of the region’s largest.
“His company is also instrumental in the various crucial infrastructure projects that help our country not just to recover but also leads us to soar even higher in terms of creating jobs, stimulating economic activities, public image, and building trustworthy reputations,” said Architect Jun Palafox, one of the event’s judges.
Ang has also expanded San Miguel’s business from beer making and food manufacturing to infrastructure, oil refining, real estate, and power and energy.
Under his leadership, the SMC is now generating about 5.9% of the country’s gross domestic product and employing more than 60,000 employees.
Hours before receiving the award, he announced the completion of the new Skyway Structure that connects the Southern and Northern Luzon Expressways.
The project, which will cut travel from SLEX to NLEX from three hours to 20 minutes, was done ahead of the October 31 schedule amid delays due to COVID-19.
READ: San Miguel completes Skyway Stage 3 project
“We’re very excited to open Skyway 3 to the public. We just have to wait for the weather to improve so we can make sure that the asphalt will cure properly. That and a few more finishing touches are all that’s needed, and then we can open, soon,” Ang said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.
‘Helping without expectations’
But what really sets Ang apart this year, the judges said, was his pioneering leadership and all-out initiatives during the coronavirus pandemic.
The magnate launched massive blood and plasma donation drives nationwide to help patients fully recover from the ill effects of COVID-19.
Ang himself donated his own blood as seen live via teleconferencing app Zoom on September 19 to encourage his employees to participate in the drive.
READ: Ramon Ang leads SMC’s massive blood, plasma donation drive for COVID-19 patients
He also initiated food donations to help people cope with hunger during the strict lockdowns, and gave P500-million worth protective equipment to frontliners.
“He is not only concerned about growing his businesses but is also known to have a good heart in helping our countrymen without expecting anything in return,” Palafox said of the visionary leader.
The judges also said Ang’s efforts inspired the entire business community to do their part.
They particularly cited his swift action in converting some of his businesses to respond to the crisis in medical supplies during the first weeks of the quarantine.
The judges also took note of his setting up of a foundation whose project is to build a state-of-the-art, 500-bed hospital specializing in infectious disease research.
Ang, for his part, said he is grateful for the award, which is more meaningful now that humanity is facing a once-in-a-lifetime crisis that is COVID-19 pandemic.
“So many times, I have been asked, why does San Miguel help out so much. Why are you so aggressive to expand and invest? When businesses and economy are down?” Ang said in his acceptance speech. “The answer is simple, this crisis is unprecedented, one that requires unprecedented response.”
Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar, meanwhile, bagged the top award for the public sector.
Dar was cited for his leadership in growing the country’s agriculture even in the time of pandemic.
The jury also put premium on the agri chief’s initiative in making the department more transparent.
“It gives me a certain level of comfort that my career in agriculture, spanning four decades, has contributed in helping farmers and fisherfolk secure the quality of life they richly deserve,” Dar said.
The Asia CEO Awards aim to promote the country as a global premier business destination.
It also recognizes leadership excellence and displays Filipino business accomplishment to the world.
