Built with Heart and Integrity: Cebu’s Exceptional Entrepreneurs Honored at the 2025 Grand Chamber Awards

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) celebrated Cebu’s most exceptional entrepreneurs during the 2025 Grand Chamber Awards (GCA) held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. For 26 years, the GCA has recognized business leaders whose vision, integrity, and innovation continue to drive Cebu’s economic and community development.

CCCI President Jay Yuvallos emphasized that this year’s honorees exemplify resilience and courage, especially as Cebu moves forward from challenges such as an earthquake, a typhoon, and corruption issues. “Profit and compassion are not opposites-they are partners in progress,” he said, highlighting that the awardees were chosen for creating jobs, uplifting communities, and inspiring hope in uncertain times.

Edwin Ortiz, Vice President for Chamber Growth and GCA chairman, noted that the awards symbolize the Chamber’s highest respect for entrepreneurs who build with purpose. He underscored the honorees’ excellence, integrity, and service: qualities that strengthen communities and support Cebu’s long-term growth. “Our economy is anchored not only on industries, but on the vision, discipline, and resilience of entrepreneurs,” Ortiz added.

This year’s expanded award categories highlight diverse stories of perseverance and creativity, reminding Cebu’s business community that true success lies not only in profit but in meaningful impact.

2025 Grand Chamber Awards Honorees

Entrepreneur of the Year – Daniel O. Ong

President and CEO, Treasure Island Industrial Corporation

Daniel Ong transformed a family enterprise into a diversified, values-driven corporation. Leading by example, he works closely with his team, grounding the company’s growth in integrity, sustainability, and enduring principles.

Innovation Leader of the Year – Engr. Leonora Salvane

Chairman, GT Cosmetics Manufacturing Inc.

From a modest kitchen operation to a global brand, Engr. Salvane exemplifies Filipino ingenuity and resilience. Her commitment to quality, innovation, and empowerment earned her this award. Through technical expertise, disciplined execution, and visionary leadership, she demonstrates how innovation can uplift communities and drive lasting social impact.

Socially Responsible Entrepreneur of the Year – Jose Aaron Roska Espina

CEO, Immuni Global Corporation

Immuni Global was founded on the mission to create effective, responsibly sourced products rooted in science and local innovation. Despite early skepticism, Espina built trust through grassroots marketing and community engagement. From four Cebu pharmacies, IMMUNIPLUS now reaches over 2,000 outlets across 40 provinces—proving that business growth and social responsibility can thrive together.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Justin Daniel Tan Arcenas

CEO, RuralNet

Arcenas began with bill payment and remittance services but saw a deeper need: accessible, affordable insurance for rural communities. In 2018, he spearheaded RuralNet’s bold shift to microinsurance, disrupting traditional industry players. His leadership transformed access to financial protection and empowered underserved communities—proof that a transformative vision knows no age.

Technopreneur of the Year – Engr. Norman Curato

CEO and Co-Founder, XELEQT Technology Innovations, Inc.

After recovering from bankruptcy, Engr. Curato built Xeleqt into a nationally recognized technology firm. By focusing on low-bandwidth solutions and IoT, he led the company to innovation awards and a client base nearing 1,000 nationwide. His humility, resilience, and people-centered leadership show how world-class innovation can grow from Cebu.

Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year – Loi Cabahug

President, LC Trade and Cooling Services Corporation

Following a successful engineering career in Dubai and Singapore, Cabahug returned to Cebu in 2011 to establish his own air-conditioning contracting business. By 2016, it had evolved into LC Trade and Cooling Services Corporation, now a trusted partner among Cebu enterprises. Under his leadership, the company thrives on adaptability, innovation, and a genuine heart for service.

Inspiring Homegrown Enterprises

In his acceptance speech, Daniel Ong dedicated his award to the people who shaped his journey, calling it a message of hope for Cebu’s homegrown companies.

“I see it as an encouragement for all home-grown, family-owned enterprises to keep building with integrity, resilience, and a clear purpose rooted in service and stewardship,” he said.

He also thanked the Chamber for inspiring entrepreneurs to grow not only their businesses but also their communities.

“I received this award not for myself alone, but on behalf of my family, my relatives, and all our dedicated employees,” he added. “To God be the glory. Thank you very much for this award.”

Special Citations of Recognition

ATUA Midtown

Recognized for redefining urban hospitality in Cebu through modern design, smart technology, and cultural integration. Led by Allen Tan and part of the Cebu Landmasters portfolio, ATUA Midtown revitalizes the cityscape, creates jobs, and champions sustainable, community-focused development aligned with the CCCI LEAD AMUST agenda.

Cebu MICE Alliance, under Cleofe Albiso

Honored for strengthening Cebu’s status as a global business events destination. Through stakeholder collaboration and the creation of Cebu’s first MICE Guidebook, the Alliance significantly elevated the province’s competitiveness through strategic promotion and innovation.

The Molave Community, led by Wilbert John Navaja

Recognized for empowering micro-entrepreneurs and home-based producers through education, livelihood programs, and community-building initiatives. Its work cultivates resilience and inclusive growth, embodying purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Ukay Ta Bai, founded by Maria Monina Isabel Neri

Celebrated for championing circular economy practices through thrift culture, upcycling, and sustainable fashion. By providing livelihood opportunities and fostering community engagement, it proves that environmental responsibility and enterprise can thrive together, fully aligned with the CCCI LEAD AMUST agenda.

The ceremony also paid tribute to CCCI’s past president, Atty. Anastasio “Jun” Muntuerto, founder of the Grand Chamber Awards. Ortiz noted that Muntuerto’s vision lives on through every honoree recognized this year.