The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) celebrated outstanding business leadership and innovation during its prestigious 2025 Grand Chamber Awards ceremony held on Monday, November 24, 2025. Eight remarkable entrepreneurs and organizations received honors for their significant contributions to Cebu's economic landscape and community development.
Celebrating Entrepreneurial Excellence
For more than 26 years, the Grand Chamber Awards have recognized the highest standards of entrepreneurial achievement in Cebu. This year's event highlighted how Cebu-based companies continue to drive regional economic growth despite facing various natural and economic challenges.
Daniel O. Ong, president and chief executive officer of Treasure Island Industrial Corp., received the coveted Entrepreneur of the Year award. The recognition celebrates his successful leadership in transforming Island Paints into a nationally respected brand. Under his guidance, the company navigated multiple crises including the COVID-19 pandemic and a devastating 2023 plant fire. Ong also received praise for professionalizing family governance structures and making strategic investments in both workforce development and sustainability initiatives.
Innovation and Social Responsibility Honored
The Innovation Leader of the Year award went to Engr. Leonora Salvane, founder and chairman of GT Cosmetics Manufacturing Inc. Her inspiring journey began with small-scale kitchen operations producing handmade soaps and has evolved into a modern Cebu facility boasting Halal, ISO 22716, and FDA certifications. Judges commended her disciplined approach to product development and unwavering commitment to global quality standards.
Jose Aaron Roska Espina, CEO of Immuni Global Inc., was named Socially Responsible Entrepreneur of the Year for expanding ImmuniPlus, an all-natural supplement brand now available in 40 provinces. His innovative sourcing model generates income for rural and coastal communities, perfectly embodying the company's "by Filipinos, for Filipinos" philosophy.
Young and Emerging Talent Recognized
The Young Entrepreneur of the Year award was presented to Justin Daniel Tan Arcenass, founder and CEO of RuralNet Inc. He revolutionized micro-insurance by creating simpler, more accessible policies that now protect more than five million Filipinos. His company processes claims an impressive 75 percent faster than industry averages.
Engr. Norman Curato, CEO and co-founder of Xeleqt Technology Innovations Inc., received the Technopreneur of the Year award. His company's artificial intelligence-powered workforce and logistics platform has gained national recognition, including the 2024 KMC Startup Awards' Most Innovative Product of the Year, and currently serves nearly 1,000 paying customers.
The Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year award went to Loi G. Cabahug, president of LC Trade and Cooling Services Corp., for developing a startup into a full-service HVAC company trusted by major businesses throughout Cebu. Judges highlighted his unique combination of technical expertise and genuine commitment to service.
Organizational Excellence and Community Impact
Two organizations received special recognition for their contributions. ATUA Midtown earned a Special Citation for urban hospitality innovation and community-centric development, aligning with CCCI's Lead AMUST agenda promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. The Cebu Mice Alliance was honored for strengthening Cebu's position as a global business events hub through industry collaboration and the creation of the first-ever Mice Guidebook for Cebu.
Additional citations were awarded to The Molave Community Marketplace for advancing community-driven entrepreneurship and Ukay Ta Bai for pioneering inclusive thrift-based enterprise and circular-economy solutions.
CCCI president Jay Yuvallos praised all award recipients for transforming challenges into opportunities. He acknowledged the difficulties Cebu faced throughout the year, including the northern Cebu earthquake, tropical storm Tino's impact on the tri-cities and Talisay, and various systemic challenges testing public trust.
"Yet, our business leaders stood unwavering," Yuvallos emphasized. "They invested, innovated, and supported their communities, reinforcing Cebu's position as a premier investment destination."
He concluded by noting that these awards represent more than financial success. "Their success is measured not only in profits, but in lives improved, jobs created, and communities uplifted. They remind us that life is not about making money or making a name, but about making a difference."
