CEOs cited

Andrew Tan and Francis Chua lead this year’s batch of CEO Excel Awardees identified by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines.

Tan, chair and chief executive office  of Megaworld Corp., was dubbed a “real estate visionary” and “builder of dreams” while Chua, who heads the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was called a “master of trade” and “ambassador of cooperation” by the IABC, which has been recognizing the country’s CEOs, presidents, and managing directors “for their exceptional and ethical use of communication strategies and tools in their management and leadership to achieve both business and societal goals” since 2005.

“He (Tan) pioneered the construction of ‘townships’ where people can live, work, play and learn in one vibrant location. The concept was a hit and soon Megaworld would be the Philippines leading property developer and number one office developer and landlord,” said Kane Errol Choa, IABC president and communications chief of ABS-CBN Corp.

On Chua, the IABC president took note of his personal goal of bridging cultural differences and promoting alliances between Filipino and Chinese businessmen.

“With strong connections and influence on both sides, Chua has contributed to maintaining strong ties between the two nations beyond the filed of business. In the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda, he facilitated the swift transfer and distribution of financial assistance from a Chinese foundation and the arrival of a Chinese Navy hospital ship to help those affected by the calamity,” said Choa.

The other awardees are retired Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista; Education Secretary Armin Luistro ; Metro Manila Development Authority Chair Francis Tolentino; San Miguel Brewery Inc. president Roberto Huang; Holcim Philippines president and CEO Eduardo Sahagun; Philippine Stock Exchange president and CEO Hans Sicat; Philex Mining Corp. senior vice president Michael Toledo; Sports 5 Head Vincent  Reyes; Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner Angelico Salud; ABS-CBN Corp. broadcast head Cory Vidanes; and Jessica Soho of  GMA Network Inc.

IABC Philippines is the first International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) chapter established outside North America. IABC is one of the largest business communication organizations in the world with some 15,000 member-professionals in over 80 countries.