ILOILO CITY — As part of its historic 120 Years Celebration of the Iloilo Chamber Movement, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Iloilo Chapter (PCCI Iloilo) presented the prestigious 2025 Captains of the Industry Awards, recognizing 12 distinguished business leaders whose influence has shaped Iloilo’s economic landscape across generations.
The award is the Chamber’s highest honor for founders and industry pioneers whose leadership, innovation, and long-term investments have significantly contributed to the city and province’s growth. This year’s honorees represent industries foundational to Iloilo’s development—from agriculture and education to manufacturing, real estate, hospitality, and media.
Honoring Industry Pillars Whose Work Transformed Iloilo
The 2025 awardees were selected based on clear economic and societal impact:
job creation, innovation, market expansion, capital investment, and leadership that inspires and uplifts communities.
The 2025 Captains of the Industry Honorees:
- Agriculture: Mr. Emil Anthony L. Po
- Education: Dr. Mary Lou Lacson-Arcelo
- Food Services: Mr. Raymundo E. Robles
- Hardware: Mr. Tomas G. Tan
- Healthcare: Dr. Vicente E. Villareal
- Hospitality: Mr. Romeo S. Go
- Manufacturing: Mr. Alfonso A. Uy — received by nephew Engr. Terence Uygonco
- Media: Dr. Rogelio M. Florete
- Posthumous – Wholesale: Mr. Rodolfo C. Tiu — received by daughter Ms. Mary Belle Tiu
- Posthumous – General Merchandise: Mr. Que Hua Pho — received by grandson Mr. John Alexander Que
- Real Estate: Ms. Bernadette C. Tiu
- Transportation: Mr. Jan Andrew T. Po
Each honoree’s enterprise has contributed to Iloilo’s development through employment generation, regional expansion, groundbreaking products and services, and investments that strengthened the local economy.
The Meaning Behind the Award: A Legacy of Leadership Across Generations
The Captains of the Industry Award is rooted in a deep anthropological narrative from Iloilo’s Austronesian heritage. Early Ilonggo ancestors traveled across seas aboard the balangay, guided by a captain who carried the responsibility of protecting his people, securing their welfare, and leading them toward new horizons.
These captains symbolized:
- Visionary leadership
- Empathy and stewardship
- Communal progress over individual gain
The modern business leader mirrors this role—one who grows not alone, but alongside employees, communities, and stakeholders.
PCCI Iloilo’s selection criteria reflect this ethos. Awardees are recognized not only for business success but for their ability to build institutions, uplift lives, and create meaningful impact on the wider Ilonggo community.
A Trophy Rooted in Heritage: The Balangay and the Heart of Ilonggo Leadership
The Captain of the Industry Award trophy, conceptualized by Marrz Capanang and sculpted by John Ryan Ramos, is a modern interpretation of the ancient balangay and its wayfinding leader.
Symbolism of the Trophy
- The balangay represents the journey of enterprise—braving uncertainty while charting a brave course for growth.
- The captain embodies leaders who protect, guide, and elevate their people.
- The bow signifies direction, purpose, and vision.
- The sail holds the memory of past triumphs and the vastness of future opportunities.
The trophy encapsulates the anthropological essence of heart-forward, communal stewardship, reflecting how true leaders prosper with their people, not apart from them.
Leadership That Defines Iloilo’s Past, Present, and Future
Through this award, PCCI Iloilo reaffirms that Iloilo’s economic rise is built on decades of enterprise shaped by men and women whose vision extended beyond profit. The Captains of the Industry embody the spirit of Ilonggo leadership—compassionate, ambitious, resilient, and transformational.
As Iloilo continues its forward momentum, these honorees stand as exemplars of what it means to lead a business that does not simply grow—but lifts entire communities along with it.
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