BIZ BUZZ: Endika Aboitiz’s secret passion

Not a lot of people know that Enrique “Endika” Aboitiz, chair of Aboitiz Equity Ventures Corp., is a passionate photographer.

And recently, Aboitiz decided to compile those exquisite photographs taken around the world into a sleek two-volume book entitled “Endika Eureka.” It features not just his photographs, but also his thoughts, lessons and insights as a top executive and a businessman, according to John Silva, Endika’s classmate whom he tapped to do the writing and editing of the book.

Silva, executive director of Ortigas Foundation Library, said Aboitiz managed to capture through his photographs in the hefty two-volume book weighing 7.5 kilograms “the world when it was pristine and majestic, and its population on the road to progress.”

Unfortunately, it is not for sale. But the good news is that the St. Joseph’s and Ortigas Foundations will distribute Aboitiz’ books for free to school libraries around the country.

All they have to do to get a copy is email an official request to [email protected], stating the history of the school, student enrollment and also some background on the library.

Once approved, the library can then pick up the precious books from the Ortigas Library or pay for the courier or shopping charges. Indeed, a worthy addition to any collection.

—Tina Arceo-Dumlao

SMC’s big river cleanup

Billionaire and San Miguel Corp. (SMC) chief executive Ramon Ang likes projects that make a big splash.

Their next endeavor is no different as the conglomerate announced the largest-ever joint private sector and government effort to rehabilitate three major river systems as well as other tributaries and waterways throughout Metro Manila, Pampanga, Cavite, and Bulacan.

“This initiative is unlike anything we have seen before,” Ang said.

The conglomerate is pursuing the ambitious project, dubbed SMC’s Adopt-A-River program, with the support of the various local governments as well as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Department of Public Works and Highways.

“In one decisive move, we are cleaning up many major rivers and waterways. We are doing this as a public service, at no cost to the government or taxpayers,” Ang said.

The project extends the conglomerate’s previous river cleaning program involving the removal of over 3 million metric tons of oil and waste from Pasig River, Tullahan River and San Juan River.

— Miguel R. Camus

D&L’s governance plum

More than being an industry leader in manufacturing, the Lao family’s D&L Industries has made its mark for its strict adherence to good corporate governance, earning it a golden arrow award for its fourth consecutive year.

‘The Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), a nonprofit that champions good corporate stewardship, recently recognized the food ingredients and plastics giant for “outstanding” governance standards, based on its Asean Corporate Governance Scorecard or ACGS.

The scorecard tracks the performance of companies especially in the areas of equitable treatment of shareholders, their relationship with various stakeholders as well as transparency and accountability through the timely disclosure of material information.

“We are honored to receive such prestigious recognition from the ICD,” said D&L president and CEO Alvin Lao, who is part of the second generation of leaders running the P45-billion company.

“As a company, it’s our top priority to uphold the highest standards of good corporate governance. We see it as the solid foundation for a sustainable and lasting organization,” he added.

—Miguel R. Camus INQ