In the photos are the 2025 ProgreCebu Awardees: Vice President and COO Eduard Loop of Cebu Safari and Adventure Park (Most Distinguished Destination), General Manager Julius G. Neri of Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (Most Distinguished Institution), Founder and Chairman Atty. Augusto “Gus” W. Go of AWG Group of Companies (Most Distinguished Individual), and President and General Manager Mark Anthony Kindica of Visayan Electric Co., Inc. (ProgreCebu Excellence Award). | Photo by Aldo Banaynal
At 106, The Freeman newspaper continues to serve as a witness and collaborator to Cebu’s growth and continuing ascension as the Philippines’ Queen City of the South – the ever-dedicated and ever-determined chronicler of Cebu’s progress.
But beyond celebrating its 106th year this July, it doesn’t just look back – it takes progressive steps forward. This was underscored in the second ProgreCEBU Awards.
Initiated by The Freeman in partnership with the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), this initiative draws the spotlight on individuals, institutions and destinations that contribute to Cebu’s progressive growth.
Staged on July 15 at NUSTAR Resort Cebu, the awarding ceremony formally recognized this year’s slate of deserving winners.
For his opening remarks during the ceremony, The Freeman Vice Chairman John Vicente Gullas welcomed guests with a reflection on the enduring legacy of the publication and its founder, Don Paulino Gullas.
“My thoughts went to the founder of The Freeman, Don Paulino Gullas – what would he have thought about ProgreCebu? Would he have liked it, mocked it, or embraced it? Well, that’s kind of hard to answer,” he said.
Gullas went on to share the remarkable story of the Gullas family’s publishing journey, hitching the publication’s longevity on its deep connection to Cebu’s progress.
“Was Paulino happy with this? Yes, I think he would be. Because every time Cebu progresses, The Freeman is always there. When Cebu falls, The Freeman falls. When Cebu gets up and progresses, The Freeman is always right there,” he added, affirming the newspaper’s role not just as an observer, but a partner in growth.
MCCI President Mark Ynoc also expressed his gratitude and support for the collaboration. “This partnership between The Freeman and the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry is founded on shared values – collaboration and a deep commitment to the development of our beloved province,” he shared.
Highlighting the event’s greater purpose, PhilStar Media Group President and CEO Jaime Miguel G. Belmonte emphasized that ProgreCebu is more than a ceremony – it is a call to action.
“ProgreCebu Awards serves as a platform to inspire a collective movement, encouraging all Cebuanos to pursue development that is people-centered, culturally grounded, and future-forward,” Belmonte said.
“It is not merely an accolade – it is an invitation for every citizen, changemaker, and leader to contribute to a more innovative, progressive, and resilient Cebu.”
Joining the celebration was Cebu City Mayor Engr. Nestor Archival, who received a plaque of recognition from The Freeman and its partner, 88th Floor.
Representatives of the PhilStar Media Group and The Freeman served as the awarding ceremony’s presenters. News Editor Fred P. Languido presented the award for Most Distinguished Destination, Editor-in-Chief Lucky P. Malicay announced the Most Distinguished Institution, and Vice President for Sales and Marketing Jay Sarmiento presented the Most Distinguished Individual.
The ProgreCebu Excellence Award was announced by General Manager Melandro Mendoza, who is also the founder of the ProgreCebu Awards. The recipients of this year’s honors included Cebu Safari and Adventure Park, which was named the Most Distinguished Destination, accepted by its Vice President and COO, Mr. Eduard Loop.
The Most Distinguished Institution award was given to Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, with General Manager Julius G. Neri receiving the recognition.
The Most Distinguished Individual award was presented to Atty. Augusto “Gus” W. Go, Founder and Chairman of AWG Group of Companies.
Visayan Electric Co., Inc. received the ProgreCebu Excellence Award, accepted by its newly appointed President and General Manager, Mr. Mark Anthony Kindica.
The trophies were presented by PhilStar Media Group President and CEO Jaime Miguel G. Belmonte, Executive Vice President Lucien Dy Tioco, The Freeman Vice Chairman John Vicente Gullas, General Manager Melandro M. Mendoza, MCCI President Mark Ynoc, and former President Kelie G. Ko.
The ceremony was attended by various business leaders from different sectors who have made a significant impact in Cebu’s ongoing progress and success. And as The Freeman newspaper continues to stand as the longest-running regional newspaper in the country, it remains a trusted witness to the island’s triumphs and challenges. With deep pride and over a century of history, The Freeman truly knows Cebu best.
Written by Andrew Ortoño
