MAGIC 8 (From left, first row) Carl Balita, Lawrence Ferrer, Carmen Jimenez-Ong, Benjamin Yao. (Second row) Michael Allan Canlas, Kim Lato, Derrick Tan, Francis Aldrine Uy —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
The Mansmith Innovation Awards, organized by Mansmith and Fielders Inc., recognize exceptional Filipino innovators who significantly impact their respective industries. These awards highlight breakthroughs in areas such as digital transformation, business model innovation and market-driving strategies.
READ: Meet the ‘Top Filipino Innovators’ of 2023
The Mansmith Innovation Awards feature two distinct categories: Master Innovator and Enterprise Innovator. Master Innovators are innovators that have attained profitable scale, category leadership and sustainable impact, while Enterprise Innovators are rising stars who have shown potential for growth and capacity for profitable success.
Eight outstanding individuals have been named Top Innovators for the 4th Mansmith Innovation Awards 2024. These innovators are (in alphabetical order):
Master Innovator
• Carl Balita, chair and CEO of the Carl Balita Review Center (CBRC), is recognized for his pioneering work in service innovation. Balita’s innovative approaches in the education and review center industry have set new benchmarks for service delivery and effectiveness.
• Lawrence Ferrer, president and CEO of Bayad, is awarded for his digital transformative approach to business model innovation. Under Ferrer’s leadership, the integration of digital solutions has transformed Bayad’s traditional bill payment systems into a business model innovation, making financial transactions more accessible and efficient.
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• Carmen Jimenez-Ong, founder and CEO of Menarco Development, is commended for her innovative contributions to property innovation. Jimenez-Ong’s work on Menarco Tower—which focuses on creating breathable spaces that emphasize sustainability, wellness and environmental harmony—has redefined modern real estate development.
• Benjamin Yao, chair and CEO of SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation, is recognized for his pioneering efforts in steel manufacturing innovation. Yao’s differentiation of rebar services, establishment of provincial mini mills and advancements in manufacturing processes and technology have greatly enhanced the sustainability of the domestic steel industry, solidifying SteelAsia as the flagship steel company in the Philippines.
Enterprise Innovator
• Michael Allan Canlas, president and CEO of Bang Bang, is distinguished for his product innovation in bangus (milkfish). Canlas has successfully transformed a traditional Filipino staple into a competitive product through innovative product strategies.
• Kim Lato, CEO of Kimstore, is celebrated for her pioneering e-commerce leadership in channel innovation. Lato’s strategic vision has turned Kimstore into a leading e-commerce platform, offering a seamless and customer-centric online shopping experience.
• Derrick Tan, CEO of Magna Prime Chemical Technologies Inc., is recognized for his contributions to chemical product innovation. Tan’s innovations have led to the development of high-quality, eco-friendly chemical products that meet the evolving needs of various industries.
• Francis Aldrine Uy, founder and CEO of USHER Technologies Inc., is honored for his technological innovation in structural health monitoring systems. Uy’s cutting-edge work has produced the first Filipino-made earthquake and structural health monitoring system, offering advanced technology for condition-based maintenance and safeguarding infrastructure safety and resilience.
These outstanding innovators will join an esteemed group of game-changing individuals and organizations, including former recipients of the Mansmith Innovation Awards: Union Bank’s Edwin Bautista, Kenneth Cobonpue Collection’s Kenneth Cobonpue, Mega Sardines’ William Tiu Lim, BeaValdes Design’s Beatrice Valdes, Cebuana Lhuillier’s Jean Henri Lhuillier, Bounty Agro’s Ronald Mascariñas, GCash’s Martha Sazon, Converge ICT’s Dennis Anthony Uy, CARD MRI ‘s Aris Alip, COL Financial’s Edward Lee, Primer Group’s Jimmy Thai and Securities and Exchange Commission’s Emilio Aquino.
On Oct. 4, 2024, at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in Makati, these eight Filipino innovators will be awarded a Mansmith 3D-printed sculpture trophy, specially designed by the world-renowned and internationally awarded Sadjid Imao. During the event, each awardee will personally share their insights into their innovations, spanning a wide range of industries, from product, service and business model, to food, property, manufacturing, tech and digital transformation.
The event is by invitation, but a limited number of seats will be available to qualified entrepreneurs and innovators who have preregistered. It is supported by market-leading brands such as Century Tuna, Converge ICT, Chooks-to-Go, Fly Ace, GCash, JS Unitrade, NutriAsia, Orocan, UnionBank, Abenson, Waters Philippines and Inquirer. Email info@mansmith.net to preregister. —CONTRIBUTED
Josiah Go is the chair and chief innovation strategist of Mansmith and Fielders, and the co-founder (with Chiqui Escareal-Go) of the Mansmith Innovation Awards. Visit www.mansmithinnovation.com for details.