Outstanding Ilonggo Entrepreneurs Recognized at 2024 Awards

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The 2024 Ilonggo Entrepreneur Awards honored exceptional business leaders on Thursday, December 19, during a ceremony held at the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art.

Now in its third year, the awards celebrate leadership, creativity, and significant contributions to Iloilo’s economic growth and innovation. The event was attended by members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Iloilo, prominent business figures, and the families of this year’s nominees.

Emilio S. Diez, founder of JD Bakeshop, received the top honor as Ilonggo Entrepreneur of the Year.

Other major awardees include Alice Grace Ledesma-Bautista of One BPO, named Young Ilonggo Entrepreneur of the Year, and Genecio Woo of The B Academy Ph., Inc., who was recognized as Aspiring Ilonggo Entrepreneur of the Year.

Special citations highlighted contributions across various sectors:

• Social Entrepreneur Award: Paul Kaldi of Paul Kaldi Coffee
• Sustainable Entrepreneur Award: Bea Genson of Clothes Station
• Innovative Entrepreneur Award: Alice Grace Ledesma-Bautista of One BPO
• Creative Entrepreneur Award: Cris Vinson of Primof
• Tech-Based Entrepreneur Award: Genecio Woo of The B Academy Ph., Inc.
• Non-Tech-Based Entrepreneur Award: Arnel John Vallejo of Banwa Pens

Awardees received the iconic Tariktik trophy, crafted by Ilonggo artist Marrz Capanang. The trophy, representing the endangered Visayan hornbill, symbolizes resilience, courage, and integrity—values exemplified by the winners.

Since its inception in 2022, the Ilonggo Entrepreneur Awards have become a platform for recognizing and inspiring exceptional talent within Iloilo’s business community.

Previous honorees include Honorato Espinosa of Tatoy’s Manokan and Gerry Guadarrama of Original Biscocho Haus, celebrated for their lasting contributions to Iloilo’s culinary heritage and local industry.

This year’s winners demonstrated resilience, creativity, and dedication in their respective fields, solidifying their roles as vital contributors to Iloilo’s growth.

The awards were presented by PCCI Iloilo, led by Chairman Felix H. Tiu, President Engr. Fulbert C. Woo, and Ilonggo Awards 2024 Chairman Jose Francisco V. Gerona.