President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, March 30, led this year’s awarding of Go Negosyo’s Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs which coincides with the commencement of the National Women’s Month.
In his keynote speech, President Duterte underscored the need to curb corruption to foster national development as well as the need to attend to Mindanao’s problems.
The Chief Executive also underscored that his administration has put a stop to corruption which used to plague businesses.
“Yung nahuli sa corruption corruption. Sabi ko sa kanila. The first whiff of corruption… I am sorry you have to go,” Duterte said.
He also gave the example of some fire safety inspection officials who earned commissions on the side from fire control manufacturers by requiring additional fire extinguishers for businesses before issuing permits.
“Its odious. Hindi lang ninyo alam ‘yan pero ang tingin ng publiko is it’s really an odious practice actually. Stop it,” the President said.
Go Negosyo is the advocacy of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE), a non-stock, non-profit organization that advocates for social change through entrepreneurship.
Go Negosyo recognized female entrepreneurs for their capacity to be catalysts for change and progress.
This year’s awardees include Corazon Dayro Ong (CDO Foodsphere); Mercedes Gotianun (Filinvest Development Corporation); Rosalind Wee (W Group of Companies); and Socorro Ramos (National Book Store).
Awardees in the medium-large category were Felicia Atienza (Chinese International School Manila); Ana De Ocampo (Wildflour Café and Bakery); Gina Lorenzana (Unilever Philippines); Anne Gonzalez (Terry
S.A); Rebecca Mills (Chalre Associates); Sheree Gotuaco (Omnimoda International); Mary Ann Montemayor (Villa Margarita Hotel & Catering); and Evelyn Palomo (Great Image).
Also awarded were Honie Krizia Navor (HK Stone Craft Trading); Evellin Daytao (Daytao Native Cakes); Pamela Henares (BuroBuro Springs Vermi Farm); Imelda Dagus (Dennis Coffee Garden); Cherrie Atillano (AGREA); Ester Vitto (Bahag Footwear); Maria Lydia Lomibao (J. Emmanuel Pastries); and Arlene Mabute (Mabute Lumpia Wrapper and Cheese Stick Maker).
Awards were also given to Arizza Nocum (Kris Library and Good Karma Shirts); Felicitas Pontoja (Coffee for Peace); and Rachel De Villa (Cropital) for Inclusive Business; Pacita Juan (ECHOStore); Senator Cynthia Villar (Senate of the Philippines); and Doris Magsaysay-Ho (Magsaysay Maritime Corp.) as Women MSME Development Enablers. ### PND
