The
CHAMBER
VOLUME I ISSUE 3 • 2018 JUL-SEP
The Official Newsletter of Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.
“SUCCESSION PLANNING IN A FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS”
If you are reading this, chances are you own, are employed, or in one way or another connected with a family business. If you have a son or daughter, chances are he or she will find work in a family owned business or he/she might start a business which he/she will pass down to other family members. Eighty percent of all businesses in the Philippines are family owned. It is safe to presume that these businesses are drivers of the country's economy, creating employment and making lives and communities better. We notice it everywhere, even in our city. Most businesses are family run, family owned. According to Harvard Business School, family firms account for two out of three businesses all over the world, creating as much as 70-90 percent of the global GDP as well as 50-80 percent of worldwide jobs. Global household names such as Toyota (Toyoda family), Samsung (Lee family) and Ford Motors (Ford family) are still family owned and in the case of these three, are run by heirs of the people who started the companies. Even though family businesses continue to enrich the global economy, realistically, it is difficult for them to prosper or at least survive beyond multiple generations. A proper succession plan is very important and is always one of the goals for a family business to prosper and grow through generations. Who will succeed and keep the business going? Should in-laws or non relatives be allowed to work or join the management? Should management personnel
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The Chamber Post
The Chamber Post
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MEET THE 2019 ORCHAM OFFICERS AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
PRESIDENT
CORPORATE SECRETARY
CORPORATE TREASURER
COLLEGE: BS LEGAL MANAGEMENT AT ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY MASTERS DEGREE IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (AIM) BUSINESS NAME: SPRINT ESSENTIAL DISTRIBUTION
COLLEGE DEGREE: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTANCY SCHOOL: UP TACLOBAN BUSINESS NAME: ABENOJA ACCOUNTING & CONSULTANCY SERVICES, ABENOJA TRAVEL & TOURS, NEW ST. JUDE AGRICULTURAL SUPPLIES
COLLEGE DEGREE: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTANCY POST GRAD: EXECUTIVE MASTERS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SCHOOL: UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS CEBU BUSINESS NAME: R&E MATRES FARM
COLLEGE DEGREE: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE MAJOR IN ACCOUNTANCY SCHOOL: ST. PETER’S COLLEGE OF ORMOC BUSINESS NAME: SECURITY BANK CORPORATION
STEPHANIE DIANE U. CHU, MBA
JUDE P. ABENOJA, CPA
ETHEL P. MATRES, EMBA
KATHERINA M. ABUEL
ASSISTANT CORPORATE TREASURER
VP FOR FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING
VP- INTERNAL AFFAIRS
VP- RESOURCE GENERATION AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
COLLEGE DEGREE: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMMERCE SCHOOL: DIVINE WORD UNIVERSITY OF TACLOBAN BUSINESS NAME: R.L MOLINA’S MKTG. & IRON WORKS
COLLEGE DEGREE: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTANCY POST GRAD. MASTERS OF MANAGEMENT IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SCHOOL: UP TACLOBAN COLLEGE BUSINESS NAME: CORBO OUTSOURCING SERVICES & ACCOUNTING
COLLEGE DEGREE: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMMERCE SCHOOL: WESTERN LEYTE COLLEGE OF ORMOC BUSINESS NAME: ARMEA’S ENTERPRISES
COLLEGE DEGREE: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTANCY SCHOOL: UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS BUSINESS NAME: PIÑA SUITES, SHOPKO
LILIBETH P. MOLINA
GEMMA FLOR C. CORBO,CPA, MMBA
JUANITA Y. ARMEA
EVANGELINE C. CHU
VP FOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
VP FOR MEMBERSHIP
VP FOR LEGAL AFFAIRS
VP- DISASTER MANAGEMENT
COLLEGE DEGREE: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL: UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS-CEBU BUSINESS NAME: ORMOC WATER SERVICES
COLLEGE DEGREE: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SCHOOL: ST. PAUL’S BUSINESS SCHOOL, PAWING PALO, LEYTE BUSINESS NAME: MILAGRINA RESTAURANT
COLLEGE DEGREE: AB MANAGEMENT ECONOMICS, JURIS DOCTOR OF LAW (JD) SCHOOL: ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY BUSINESS NAME: HUMAN NATURE-ORMOC
COLLEGE DEGREE: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING SCHOOL: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, MANILA BUSINESS NAME: CAMBINAC FARM, JOHN CARLO ENG’G
AVP FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT
EX-OFFICIO/IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
COMMITTEE HEAD ON ENVIRONMENT AND SPECIAL AFFAIRS
LIAISON OFFICER TO LGU
MARICEL R. NGO, MBA HIGHEST EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT: MASTER IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SCHOOL: ATENEO GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS BUSINESS NAME: ORMOC PRINTSHOPPE, BEMORE
COLLEGE DEGREE: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN TOURISM SCHOOL: UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES - DILIMAN BUSINESS NAME: ANJES PAWNSHOP, TRAILSIGN
ARCH. INGRID CECILIA T. CIMAFRANCA
ENG. ULPIANO A. VILLARMINO
COLLEGE DEGREE: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING SCHOOL: CEBU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS NAME: JUNVILL ENT. & CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
MA. LOURDES A. ALAGON
ATTY. JOVITA DLS LARRAZABAL
AILEEN S. AVILES
ENGR. MANOLO T. FRAGATA
EMMA F. FRAGATA
COLLEGE DEGREE: AB ECONOMICS SCHOOL: ST. PETERS COLLEGE OF ORMOC BUSINESS NAME: CAMBINAC FARM, JOHN CARLO ENG’G
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The Chamber Post
TATAK ORMOCANON
Ormoc City is not a bustling metropolitan brimming with a lot of talent schools, sports clinics, workshop centers, music experts, world-class coaches and art connoisseurs. But if there is one thing that is undeniably true in Ormoc, the city is bursting with a lot of locals exhibiting a myriad of achievements, potential and talent in different fields. In this issue, we celebrate and give honor to two of many of Ormoc’s pride: one is a certified hall-famer in sports basketball, and the other is slowly making waves in the cutthroat world of art. In this feature, we show the other side of these noted businessmen. We get to know their struggles, and how their background in the other aspect of their lives has helped and shaped them in having the right mindset to succeed in business.
REY F. EVANGELISTA
Undoubtedly one of Ormoc’s pride, former PBA player Rey Evangelista has successfully transformed himself from being one of Philippine professional basketball’s top defensive kingpin, to one of the city’s successful businessmen and influential civic leaders. After 15 glorious years in the PBA, he has settled in his beloved city of Ormoc after he retired in 2008, and has since then started making a name for himself in the business and socio-civic circles. At the tender age of 6, Rey, who was greatly influenced by his Dad Leming and elder brother Jude, who are both basketball enthusiasts, and who both played with VISCA, Baybay and the University of San Carlos in Cebu respectively, started learning and playing basketball. All throughout his student life, basketball has been a part of who he is. Albeit a bit shy, mild-mannered and soft-spoken, all characteristics not typical of a fearless defensive player, all his trainings and hard work paid off when he landed himself as round 1 and second overall pick in the PBA draft in 1994. He became part of the famous Purefoods Team, and has stayed with them all throughout his professional basketball career. During his glorious stint at the PBA, donning jersey number 7 and playing the small forward position, Rey was accorded with numerous awards and accolades any basketball player could only hope to achieve. He was, at numerous times, chosen as one of the members of the PBA All-Star Team, PBA All-Defensive Team, a three-time PBA Sportsmanship Awardee, Best Player in the 2002 Governor’s Conference, and one of the key reasons why Purefoods bagged several championships in various PBA conferences. But for Rey, what he considers his greatest achievement in professional basketball was when he was able to represent the country in the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima, Japan, with the team composed of professional and amateur standout players. He says, “There’s nothing like being able to represent your country doing the thing you love”.
are no regrets in retiring early and coming back to Ormoc. When the opportunity to come home came up, it was a no-brainer for the famous cager and his family. Here, he gets to happily settle in the provincial life with wife Ilynn and their twin daughters Ashley Marie and Aaliyah Marie. What’s more, he gets to tap his other interests, like go into business and actively participate in voluntary socio-civic works. At the moment, Rey and wife Ilynn own and juggle management of several branches of “The Generics Pharmacy” drugstore, and just recently, a poultry farm. He admits that basketball has helped them finance the businesses they have right now, as he was able to save some of his earnings from the profession, and used it as capital for their business ventures. Together with his parents and siblings, he also helps in the 50-year old family business, the “New St. Jude Agricultural Supply”. Rey is also quite visible in the local socio-civic scene. He was a former president of the Ormoc City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., currently the president of the Ormoc City Host Lions Club, also the Zone Chairperson for District 301-B2 Leyte Area, and the Council Chairman for the Leyte Lions Clubs Presidents. As though these aren’t taxing enough, Rey is also actively involved in the formation and development of Eastern Visayas Basketball League (EVBL), a local league for Ormoc homegrown basketball talents, where they can showcase their skills in the sport, and hopefully be a medium for them to be scouted by big leagues like MPBL and the PBA. From time to time, he also gives inspirational pep talks and shares to aspiring local athletes a few tips and advices on how to be successful in their chosen sport.
Rey took the blood pressure of the lady during Lion’s Diabetes Awareness and Free Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Monitoring Project in Bagong Buhay, Ormoc City.
Through these civic groups, he is able to give back to the community who proudly followed and supported his basketball career. He is also an advocate in encouraging the youth to go into sports. Like him, his Rey (at the upper leftmost): “Looking back....24 years ago as a Rookie. With my idol beside me... a fellow Leyteno from Maasin, Southern Leyte... El Presidente Ramon twins are actively involved in various sports and art programs, and are Fernandez together with the veterans of the PBA” (photo taken from his FB post) into swimming, archery, ballet and triathlon. Together with his wife, they Although he no longer has an active role in the PBA, he still both encourage their girls to get involved in whatever sports they like, gets in touch with some of his Purefoods buddies, and joins them on to keep them busy especially on weekends, and minimize the time they provincial games where they are invited. Looking back, Rey says there REY... è pg 11
The Chamber Post
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BENJUN S. PORE
As far as Benjun Samosa Pore can remember, there was no spark between him and the paintbrush the first time he held one against a blank canvass in one of the summer art classes of Ormocanon artist, Geraldine Martinez. This was way back in 1999. It was because of the relentless prodding of his mother that he gave it a try.“I do not remember having any interest in the classes. I really was just there to appease my mother and because I was bored.” True enough, Benjun, who is now one of Ormoc’s most talented and increasingly recognizable artists, has not come close to a paintbrush nor a canvass since that summer class. After finishing secondary school at St. Paul’s School in Ormoc City, Benjun, or Benj as he is fondly called, packed his bags and moved to Cebu City for college. He first explored his interest in the culinary arts, diving into the world that he grew very keen on growing up, observing his mother in action at the kitchen. But not a year later, he left. Though he was excelling in class, he thought the school deprived him of experiences typical of college life, since in Culinary School, his classmates were much older. He transferred to the University of San Carlos in Cebu, and enrolled in a Business program. “I thought to myself, ‘I had failed the course I took out of deep interest, so I might as well take one that was going to help me with whatever I pursue in the future, be it passion, skill, or talent -related.” In September of 2013, armed with a Business degree, a well-thoughtof plan, and the enthusiasm of a fresh college graduate, Benj returned to Ormoc. With the help of his parents, he turned his baking hobby into a business, selling goodies and desserts. He was overwhelmed by the response. He was commissioned to prepare a dessert buffet for a wedding in November 2013, but Yolanda came barging through the homes and rooftops in the city. He then had to divert his energy from his small venture to helping his family recover from the devastation that the supertyphoon left at its wake. His priorities changed after rebuilding. With his investments gone and no means to start anew, Benj left home again and went back to Cebu City in search of job opportunities. The first that came was teaching English to foreign students. “I did this for a year and 9 months. Everything was fine and smooth, but I felt that something was missing.” Without any idea what it was, in 2015, he left his job and found his way home again.This time, however, he did not have a plan. Ironically, his new life as a budding artist was birthed in this period. Perhaps, John Lennon was right all along when he said that life is what happens when you are not busy making other plans. That was the time Benj picked up a paintbrush again. As he began to practice his strokes, he remembered his grandfather, who adored architecture and interior design and passed this fancy on to him, unleashing his creativity as a young person. For inspiration, Benj would buy fabrics with indigenous designs, characterized by bold colors and intricate patterns of dots and geometric shapes. He is also fascinated with cultures that are rich in imagery, like Muslim Mindanao and India. This fascination is evident on his works, which he started to post on social media platforms - Facebook and Instagram. He received positive feedbacks, but it would be a while before these were converted into purchases and commissioned artworks. As a budding artist, he had a lot to compromise, like dealing with the uncertainty that comes with pursuing one’s passion in the arts, and using industrial paints to create his first few works. He used the money that he received from selling these, to purchase an artist’s essentials for painting. In December 2015, while enduring a lull in his new trade, he put brush to canvass and brought to life an imagery that he couldn’t get out of his mind. “The ‘Africana’ painting is a product of my passion and not of money. I painted it because I wanted to, not because somebody asked me to.” The outcome of ‘Africana’ reinforced his faith in what he is doing, a form of reassurance in times when he felt there was lack of trust and interest in his work. He received a number of inquiries about ‘Africana,’
Photo shows Benjun preparing to craft another masterpiece.
but to this day, it remains unsigned and unsold. “It has never occurred to me to sell it. I think it’s priceless.” It does not escape Benj that the reality for any Ormoc-based artist, no matter how brilliant and skilled, is that they cannot live on what they earn from the trade. Inspired from his own experience, his message to future young, scrappy and hungry artists is: “If you want to pursue painting as a career, treat it like a business but don’t compromise your artistry. Sadly, where we are, art is not given high value. So be practical. And while making art, find another source of income.” Last year, Benj launched the BenjPoreArt 2018 planners. The production of 2019 planners is now underway, to be launched at the end of the year. Knowing that the art community in Cebu is more vibrant and enjoys greater appreciation from the public – making it more lucrative – Benj has entertained a few times the idea of moving back to the big city. If there is one thing that is holding him back from taking the plunge, it is the “renaissance,” or so he calls it, that the local art community is
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Benjun’s highly-admired “Africana” painting. “Priceless”, as described by the artist when asked of its value.
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The Chamber Post
BUSINESS OWNERS, MANAGERS ATTEND ORCHAM-FACILITATED COST-CUTTING MEASURES SEMINAR-WORKSHOP
ORMOC CITY – Managers and business owners were recently gathered together for ORCHAM’s seminar on How to Reduce Admin Costs and Achieve Efficiency in Business Operations, held at the Origami Convention Center last September 5, Wednesday. Giving out lessons and practical tips on how businesses in Ormoc can reduce their administrative costs and be more efficient and productive in their day-to-day operations, was Professor Enrico Mina, DBA – a former Senior Lecturer and Director of EMBA, Papua New Guinea University of Technology. He is also an expert TQM and Six Sigma Consultant. In the morning up to mid-afternoon of the said seminar was the lecture session, with target audience being both the business owners and their business organization’s respective operations managers and/or supervisors.
The participants enthusiastically jotted notes while attentively listening to the discussion of Prof. Enrico Mina.
Later in the afternoon, it was quite interesting as numerous questions were raised to resource speaker Prof. Mina. The queries were thrown by the ORCHAM trustees, business owners and business managers. It was lively and interactive, and shed a lot of light on issues and operational problems within a business organization, which most owners and managers are quite hesitant to address. Overall, the one-day seminar was very timely. Given the high cost of almost everything nowadays, numerous points discussed by Prof. Mina are relevant in managing the rising costs of running a business. ORCHAM is sure that those who attended gained a lot of helpful insights and tips from the said seminar. - This article was written by Jima Zandra J. Vergara of Eastern Visayas Mail, appearing in the latter’s September 3-9, 2018 issue, supplemented and edited by Chamber Post Director EPM .
Photo shows ORCHAM Trustees and some of Ormoc’s business owners during the afternoon workshop
The Chamber Post
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BENJUN from pg4
experiencing these days, which he greatly attributes to the support of the mayor of Ormoc City, Mayor Richard Gomez, a professed art aficionado, avid art collector and a budding artist himself. “What the government is doing for the local art community is really applaudable. He opened new avenues for us to improve our work and showcase it to the public.” February has been announced as Arts Advocacy month in the City. Members of the community were given the opportunity to meet and be trained by licensed professionals and experts, to help them improve their work, may it be in visual, literary, or performing arts.The government has also opened to them the doors of the Ormoc City Museum, formerly the Old City Hall, the oldest and perhaps the most storied and distinguished building at the heart of the city. He is also excited by the idea of being in the forefront of the art movement in Ormoc City and pioneering the difficult work of expanding art appreciation among the greater public. The community in Ormoc has already established ties with art groups in Tacloban, as well as in neighboring towns. “We are making a noise and starting to make an impact. It is a dream of every artist to have a name in the art scene.At the same time, it is also our dream to pass the arts to the next generation so that it can live forever. And that is not possible if we only do self-promotion. Instead, we have to advocate for the arts and the creative community as a whole.” From a budding businessman, to a budding teacher, and currently, a budding artist, Benj seems to be perpetually in the process of becoming. What happened this time, however, is not just a spark. The artist within is already on fire. -MVR / MMT Editor’s Note: Benjun is also the artist for this issue’s cover image. The cover shows three generations in a typical family, all having an active participation in the running of the family business. It captures the simple dynamics of a family-owned business: humble beginnings, succession, and preservation.
J.T. KANGLEON ST., ORMOC CITY Contact No.: (053) 561-7937
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The Chamber Post
ORCHAM joins the Visayas Area Business Conference in Bacolod Last August 30 – September 2, 2018, the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) hosted the 27th Visayas Area Business conference and Agri & Livestock Expo. With the theme, “ Government and Business Partnering for Growth and Development – Building Capacities and Finding Solutions”, it was a conference well-represented by our very own ORCHAM Trustees: Chairman Jude P. Abenoja, President Maricel R. Ngo, VP Ingrid T. Cimafranca, VP Aileen S. Aviles, VP Gemma C. Corbo, Executive Director Cheryl Gallo, and EVMail’s Lalaine Marcos. The conference was designed with a lot of learning sessions for the attendees and a few government executives. For the Ormoc delegation, read through the memorable highlights of their 2018 VABC experience:
CHAIRMAN JUDE: To stay relevant, ORCHAM should work hand in hand with LGU and collaborate with each other. ORCHAM should be engaging LGU in all its activities and should be the leading force of the private/business sector. Likewise, ORCHAM members should join conferences like this because we would be able to know the best practices of other Chambers (and their Officers and Directors); private companies; and, Cities, Municipalities, and/or LGUs. It’s a great way to know ORCHAM or Ormoc City’s edge, our learnings for improvements, our leverage (if there’s any). Most importantly, as individuals or businessmen, we would be able to learn more based on the best practices and mistakes of others, which we can apply or mirror to our respective businesses. It’s a great way to relax and have fellowship with co-Chambers, visitors and dignitaries alike.
VP AILEEN: I was truly impressed with the pasalubong stores in Bacolod. They have everything. Even food stuff that you think is just a simple thing like mini pandesal, is packaged well and voila tourists buy it. I think we should develop the pasalubong scene in Ormoc. I wish ORCHAM, with the assistance of LGU and local suppliers, can put up a store where our producers can display their innovative products. I also like the “greenness” of the city. Despite Bacolod being a big city, yet you can still see a lot of trees in the metropolis. I think ORCHAM can also advocate for this. Encourage local businesses to “greenify” their frontage creatively.
A groupie of the Trustees, proudly holding the ORCHAM Banner
PRESIDENT MARICEL: My greatest learning from the
conference was about the environment. For the Boracay experience, 6 months closure is not enough to rehabilitate the island. 2 years is ideal. Each city / municipality which has natural resources as tourism destinations must learn from Boracay while they are not yet exploited. Thorough planning and strict implementation on how to do business conscientiously must be done to avoid repetition of what happened with Boracay. On the other hand, the convention provided information on the current trends encompassing different business sectors. It was a good venue to gain more networks/connections. Conferences like this challenge our business status quo by considering adoption of best business practices of other regions.
VP GEMMA: For me, the highlight of this year’s VABC on top of relevant topics presented is the showcasing of local talents in music and dance. An important realization as well is the fact that harmony and regular coordination between government and business players in a community is the key towards synergy and sustainable development. To stay relevant, ORCHAM should strive to continue to strengthen ties with our LGU and be an able arm of the government in carrying out its project and programs that would uplift the business environment of the city. It is also equally important that businesses have to put more effort to ensure protection of the environment, and encourage its membership to intensify CSR activities particularly environment-related programs and projects. What was most exciting about the conference this year was the camaraderie among delegates from Ormoc. It was heartwarming to witness the close ties among delegates from all over Visayas.
The Chamber Post
VP INGRID: It was quite enlightening for me to realize that sustainable tourism is considered one of the solutions in the economic growth of a region or place. This can be done by taking care of our environment. One of the highlights of the conference was recognizing the progress of Bacolod City, which we can emulate. Bacolod’s success is the result of good planning, innovation and of course, good leadership. The “planner” in me was inspired by the Mayor’s presentation of their LGU’s plans, and development of their city which included wider roads, new subdivisions, even condominiums, and the creation of township. Another important highlight is the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility, and how it should be adopted in a business. Environmental responsibility should always be taken into consideration before profit. As I listened to the reports from different regions regarding their concerns, projects, and present situations, I was reminded of the importance of good leadership as an important element for goals to be realized. As a first time attendee in the VABC, I would highly recommend attending such conference. In such conferences, we learn what is happening in other regions, thus we stay relevant and we can benchmark their best practices. Lastly, listening to the topics and forums, I realized that being trustees of ORCHAM, we play a big part in keeping the organization relevant: that we should not only be the voice of its members but also be the “think-tankers”. We play multiple roles of being prime movers, initiators, innovators and servants, all at the same time. And of course, how equally important it is that members need to support the organization and its activities, for it to sustain and continue to be beneficial to Ormoc.
LALAINE (of EVMAIL): My greatest learning is we have so much to offer in terms of tourism yet we still lag behind. On a positive note, it also shows we still have room to grow, and given the proper implementation of existing laws to include environmental laws, we can have sustainable tourism. Bacolod was a good host because they showcased not only their heightened cultural awareness, but also their produce. To stay relevant, ORCHAM should take the lead in pushing private sectors and business participation in governance. ORCHAM members should join conferences like this because participants learn good practices, government policies and agenda, and development programs that affect business. It also provides an opportunity to make new friends and acquaintances, to share notes and thoughts. The side trip we took to while we had the time before our flight, also showed us that there are new developments being put up locally like the Campuestohan Highland Resort which is already comparable to other major tourist destinations. And how was the camaraderie with the ORCHAM group? Amazing! I just found out that Chairman Jude is a very graceful dancer.
Overall, not only did the Ormoc delegation learned so much from their trip, but they had numerous realizations as well. They all agreed that when the conference was over, they were all excited to go back to Ormoc and revisit business plans vis-a-vis learnings from the conference. To sum it all up, it was both a worthwhile and fun trip from start to finish.
LEFT TO RIGHT: PCCI Region VI Regional Governor Edward Du, ORCHAM Executive Director Cheryl Pantalita-Gallo, ORCHAM VP-Internal Affairs Arch. Ingrid Cecilia T. CImafranca, Former LEIPO and current BPLO OIC Joel Mendoza, Chairman Jude P. Abenoja, CPA, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia, President Maricel R. Ngo, MBA, VP Finance Gemma Flor C. Corbo, CPA, MMBM, ORCHAM-LGU Liaison Emma F. Fragata, VP-External Affairs Evangeline C. Chu, VP-Membership Aileen S. Aviles and ORCHAM Member and EV Mail Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Lalaine Marcos.
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10 The Chamber Post
ORCHAM Paving the Way: Mayor Richard Gomez joins “Mayors for Peace” in book turnover from Hiroshima ORMOC CITY – Reaching out to one another in the spirit of peace is as beautiful as it is rare. Being the region’s “safest city”, and embarking in a peace advocacy of making the world nuclear weaponfree, Ormoc took the first step towards this goal by holding a ceremonial turnover ceremony of a translated Japanese story book entitled, “Paglawig sa Papel na Tabon, Bitbit ang Pag-ampo ni Sadako”, and an awarding of this city to the Mayors for Peace Membership last July 24. These two events, though simple and straightforward, are actually the first milestones of a long and worthwhile journey towards real peace. In a collaborative effort between LGU Ormoc headed by City Mayor Richard I. Gomez, Ormoc Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. led by Chairman Mr. Jude
Abenoja and Pres. Maricel R. Ngo, Department of Education Ormoc City Division headed by Dr. Manuel P. Albaño, PhD, CESO V, and an international partner in Japan – ANTHiroshima (a Hiroshimabased NGO) represented by Ms. Masami Yamamoto, these people pledged to use their influence and resources to help spread real peace, endurance, and hope in the form of a Japanese story book. With the Japanese story translated to the Visayan dialect by Ms.Violeta SuperinoNoya of Leondoni Elementary School, this particular book is not like any other story found in today’s literature. It is a story of tragedy, of people suffering as collateral damage, and of strength found in simple hope and kindness. It featured a true story of a Japanese young girl named Sadako, who died of A-bomb disease at the tender age of 12, after being exposed
Ormoc City Mayor Richard I. Gomez joins the Mayors for Peace
The ORCHAM Trustees with Ms Masami Yamamoto, Dr. Manuel P. Albaño, PhD, CESO V and Ms. Violeta Superino-Noya
to the atomic bomb attack in Hiroshima during World War II. The aforementioned partners of this project aim for the lesson of this story to reach the hearts of the Ormocanons, especially the children. With DepEd Ormoc as focal point, it is guaranteed that the turned-over translated books would be distributed to every school in Ormoc, especially to the elementary schools, to improve Ormocanon youth awareness of the real meaning
of peace, hope, and endurance. “…let every Ormocanon child know and be touched about the story of Sadako,” Ms. Aileen Suarez-Aviles, an active trustee of ORCHAM and the initiator of this gathering, stressed in her speech. With Mayor Gomez signing the membership for the Mayors for Peace, it instantly signifies that Ormoc City has pledged to highlight peace, specifically the support of anti-nuclear weapon creation, as its primary drive. In time, the event hopes to achieve the idea of people beginning to think of safety not only through the drop of crime rates, but also through the adamant belief that life preservation and safety can be achieved without the use of harm and violence. -This article was written by Marizthela Dela Cruz & Lalaine Marcos of Eastern Visayas Mail, appearing in the latter’s August 13-19, 2018 issue.
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Be inspired by these delighted ORCHAM members…
JENNIFFER L. QUILANG
Business: OrmocNet & Golden Mirasol Mktg. (Human Nature)
1.Why did you join ORCHAM? I was invited by my Aunt who was then the President of ORCHAM, Tita Daya (Past President Milagros L. Rizarri). 2.What advantages/benefits and disadvantages have you experienced by being an ORCHAM member? Advantages: Business concerns are immediately raised to LGU and to other venues. Helpful and relevant seminars and trainings are offered, plus you gain a network of new and interesting people from various business and non-business sectors. Disadvantages: None 3.What are your expectations as a member? That concerns and issues of the business sector will be immediately addressed and championed by the chamber. 4.Would you recommend for your associates to join? Yes, of course.
1.Why did you join ORCHAM? Through the encouragement of a friend from Dumaguete who is also a close friend of ORCHAM, Mr. Ed Du, currently the regional governor of Chamber Central Visayas. Second, we joined to increase our network and to be updated on business plans and programs in the locality especially for MSME’s. 2.What advantages/benefits and disadvantages have you experienced by being an ORCHAM member? Advantages: Being an ORCHAM member increased our network and we always get first hand information coming from ORCHAM and the LGU on available seminars and trainings relevant to our company. We also get information from linkages like DTI Go Negosyo Center, which we were included as one of the mentees in their “Kapatid Mentor Me” program this year. Disadvantages: So far we have none. We are beaming with benefits of being an ORCHAM member! 3.What are your expectations as a member? CELESTE D. BARQUERRA 1. ORCHAM will continue supporting local MSMEs especially that Ormoc Business: CB Bookkeeping Solutions is now making a mark with the big players in the business. 2. ORCHAM will lobby to LGU on the provision of good infrastructure to local businesses of which small businesses cannot afford. 4.Would you recommend for your associates to join? Yes, of course.
REY from pg4 spend on gadgets. The twins have joined and qualified for the EVRAA and Ironkids several times. When asked what important life lessons has basketball taught him, Rey has this to say, “Basketball
has taught me hardwork, discipline the important thing in failing is not giving up, but learning from it and and perseverance. If you want persevere to be better.” To say that Rey seems busier these days than he was when he was to achieve something, you really still with the PBA, is have to work hard for it. Nothing an understatement. It is given to you on a silver platter. takes some kind of You have to sacrifice some Herculean effort to things to get better. Sometimes find time to do all the you will encounter failures, but things he is involved in right now. But for Ormoc’s beloved PBA star, he doesn’t feel the effort at all, knowing he is finally doing what he believes he is destined to do, and doing all of that in the company of the people who mattered to him most, in the city he has always considered his one true home. - EPM
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IT’S A FAMILY THING Looking at EBR Marketing Corporation now, who would have thought that its founder could have been a nurse, rather than the successful business mogul that he is today. Yes, Ernesto B. Rizarri, or “Ernie” as he is commonly called, started college as a nursing student. To the disappointment of his mother, Ernie was not able to complete the nursing course, and at 18 years old, was left with no choice but to fund his own college education. He was able to find work as an office clerk at the Accounting Office of his cousin during the day and attend to his classes in the late afternoon until the evening. With hardwork and perseverance, he finally graduated college at the University of San Carlos in Cebu in the year 1968. Humble beginnings Thereafter, he was able to work with different companies as a sales man. He was 23 years old when he entered the corporate world, and that lasted for 3 years. Though he worked in a corporate atmosphere and had the typical 8 hours of office work, sales work has always appealed to him. His business acumen was tapped when he became an industrial partner of his friend, who was the lead distributor of Atlas Fertilizer to the sugarcane farmers in
Ormoc. Eventually, Ernie became the official distributor of Atlas Fertilizer, naming his company Leyte Atlas Fertilizer, which later became EBR Marketing. Starting his own company ultimately led him to settle in Ormoc, where he eventually met and married his wife, Milagros “Daya” Larrazabal – Rizarri. Ernie admits that his early years of starting the business was indeed a big struggle. He had to face problems of creating a system, handling finances, and character building. Unbelievably, he only had less than a thousand pesos at that time when he was just starting. Added to this, being from Cebu, he barely knew anyone in the city.An opportunity presented itself during the time when there was a shortage of fertilizer in Ormoc. Fertilizer distributors were not able to supply the fertilizer needs of the Ormoc farmers. This was an opportunity he grabbed to earn more. He was able to convince the management of Atlas Fertilizer to give him more time to sell their fertilizers. He was able to convert the shipments of fertilizers into cash and roll it efficiently. EBR Marketing’s major customers then were the sugar planters in Ormoc, and EBR became exclusive in Ormoc and the whole of Region 8. He
Mr. Ernesto Rizarri giving his message during the 45th anniversary of EBR Marketing Corporation
The happy Larrazabal-Rizarri family. Here with Ernie and Daya are children (L-R): EJ, Manelle, Monic and Andrew “Ado”
made Ormoc his base because and auto parts center for the of the pineapple plantations and maintenance of these vehicles. sugarcane planters. Preparing his successors A born visionary Over the years, Ernie opened During the early years of his up more businesses along the way. business, he started to diversify He is not hesitant to diversify his resources. “I believe I truly and take risks. His current have the entrepreneurial spirit”, businesses are as diversified as he says. Early on, he saw the a bowl of mixed cereals. His need to diversify his business to family is now into car dealership, keep up with Ormoc’s growth aggregates, poultry farming, and development. “Sugar farming construction, gas station, hauling, only makes a yield twice a year, and more. All of his four children so there’s a big lull period all are now also actively involved in throughout the year”, he says. the running of the family business Since his business prompts him they are assigned to. The eldest, to go to Cebu almost every Manelle, is overseeing EBR weekend, this gave him the Servitek, second daughter Monic, chance to see the contrasts is the one supervising all of the between the two neighboring 3 Shell gas stations, third child EJ, cities. He maintains that him not is the one running Greenplains being from Ormoc gave him a Construction and their Kia different outlook of the place. He Dealership, while youngest son saw opportunities locals could Andrew or “Ado” is tasked to just easily dismiss and not take man EBR Cebu. Asked how he was able to notice. One of his most noted revolutionary contributions to influence his children to help the modernization of Ormoc’s in the business and follow in transport system is the his footsteps, he has this to say, introduction of the Multicabs, “Whenever a child of mine asked which he first took notice in for my opinion what course Cebu. This became another to take up in college, I would business opportunity for him as always recommend that they he was one, and probably even get a business course so that the first, to carry the distribution when they have their thesis, of these revolutionary vehicles they can use our own business in Ormoc City. Overtime, the as their business model. I made multicabs evolved into replacing it a challenge for them to look most of the motorcycles in for ways on how to improve Ormoc. This business led the our business. Fortunately, while way to him opening up a service FAMILY... è pg 18
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FAMILY.... from pg. 8 they were growing up, they were already exposed to travelling at an early age, as we have travel incentives from our principal supplier, Good Year. They have experienced the benefits of being an entrepreneur because through our business, we were able to travel as tourists for free and were even given pocket money. I always emphasize to them that being in business gives one the advantage of having flexible work hours, unlike others who are employed and who work so hard that most of the time they miss precious moments with their families. So eventually, they took up business courses, and they did use our business in their thesis projects. In other words, early
on, I was slowly grooming them to become entrepreneurs. But I also adamantly told them that if they work with me, they will have to be treated as my employees. They have to earn their right in the company. I also encouraged them to work in other companies prior to working with me, to get experiences and learn work ethics that are different from our own”. He constantly reminds his children, who will eventually end up running what he started, to always maintain a friendly personality and maintain lasting friendships, as this worked for him and provided him with the needed network to start and sustain all the businesses he engages into. He maintains that it also helps to develop confidence in oneself, and not letting himself get easily intimated, nor doubt his capabilities. Part of the beauty of having humble beginnings, Ernie does not deny that he picks the most admirable traits from successful people he knows and reads about, and emulates them.
A pose after the interview: President Maricel R. Ngo with Mr. Ernesto Rizarri.
His business mantra Ernie is strict in following the rule of: "Paying suppliers and obligations on time, and always paying his employees
Mr. Ernesto Rizarri with lovely wife, ORCHAM Charter President Maria Milagros “Daya” Larrazabal-Rizarri and their charming grandson Teo
on time”. He adds that he has proven time and again that it doesn’t hurt to be sincere in all of his dealings and maintain his integrity, and that character building is as equally important. Though Ernie’s children and their spouses now also have businesses of their own, they continue to contribute a lot to all of the family businesses their father started. Ernie dreams of seeing their companies being efficiently run by his children and their families, grow more, and be able to help more people, like what they are doing now to some of their deserving employees, whose children have become their scholars, and some are now even already working for them. His fervent wish is to be able to reach that point in his
life wherein he is confident that the businesses he started through his humble beginnings, will sustain beyond his children and grandchildren’s generation, so that they too can help more people and contribute to the growth of this city. With the values he lives by and the kind of entrepreneurial mind frame that Ernie Rizarri has, which are all evidently passed on to his children, there is no doubt that what he painstakingly started will withstand several lifetimes. Added to this is his family’s deep faith in God, which he attributes as being one of his family’s secret to success.To which he attests by saying, “No matter how smart or rich you are already, never forget God”. By: Ethel P. Matres Interviewed by: Maricel Reyes-Ngo
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SUCCESSION from pg1 be professionalized? How should ownership be divided among children? What is the retirement plan for the first generation? These, and a lot more, are just the many things to consider, that the questions posed above don't even include the day to day handling of the business. According to the Conway Center for Family Business, “More than 30% of all family-owned businesses survive into the second generation. Twelve percent will still be viable into the third generation, with 3% of all family businesses operating at the fourth-generation level and beyond." There is actually a grain of truth when the Chinese community talk about their businesses through three generations. They say that the first generation CREATES the business. The second generation ENJOYS the business, while the third generation DESTROYS the business. However, we know a lot of local businesses in Ormoc where the sons and daughters of the owners have already started stewarding the business that their parents have started. Some have even ventured into their own businesses, aside from growing what their parents have started. And even some family corporations are starting to acquire the services of “Family Business Consultants” to supervise and help the family draft its corporate charter. Having a “Charter/Family By-Laws” for the family owned business helps avoid future conflicts and can form as a reference and solutions for future problems. Issues such as percentage of ownership, compensation, the entry of in-laws, even the frequency of family meetings and reunions can be included in the charter. Having a Family Charter can serve as a guide or a rulebook on how to tackle future issues. Issues that will surely occur in the course of running the business. Issues that might become a basis for conflict and disagreement if there aren’t any agreed upon ways on how to resolve them. Each one of us is into business with our families in mind. Our goal is to support our families through our businesses. Therefore the purpose of our business goals is to achieve our family and personal goals as well, with the hope that success in BUSINESS will lead to success in LIFE. -jeridaking
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