Awardees of the ProgreCebu Awards gather for a photo during The Freeman’s 105th anniversary celebration held at Radisson Blu Hotel on July 19, 2024. In the photo (from left): The Freeman Editor-in-Chief Lucky Malicay, The Freeman Vice Chairman Johnvic Gullas, Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera, Former Acting Vice Mayor Dondon Hontiveros, Profoods International President/CEO Justin Uy, Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway President/General Manager Allan Alfon, Philstar Media Group President/CEO Miguel Belmonte, Executive Vice President Lucien Dy Tioco, and The Freeman General Manager Melandro Mendoza.
As part of its 105th anniversary celebration, The Freeman, the longest-running regional newspaper in the Visayas, launched the inaugural ProgreCebu Awards on July 19, 2024 at Radisson Blu, recognizing key figures and institutions that have driven progress in Cebu.
The prestigious event celebrated pioneers whose achievements have left a lasting mark on Cebu Island’s economic and social landscape. Four inaugural awardees were honored for their excellence in business, tourism, infrastructure, and leadership.
Justin Uy | Most Distinguished Individual
The owner and president of Profood International Corporation, Mr. Justin Uy, was named Most Distinguished Individual for his work in the dried mango industry. From a small startup with only a few employees, Uy grew his company into a global brand, exporting Philippine dried mangoes to markets such as Japan, the U.S., and Singapore.
Uy has also become an inspiration for the Cebuano community, offering summer jobs to students and promoting the vision of “bringing the Philippines to the world and bringing the world to the Philippines.” His legacy as “Cebu’s Mango King” reflects both business excellence and a commitment to community empowerment.
Cebu City | Most Distinguished Destination
Cebu City, known for its rich cultural roots and vibrant tourism sector, was honored as the Most Distinguished Destination. From its various local delicacies and pristine beaches to epic adventures and cultural activities like the Sinulog Festival–the city, indeed, has a lot to offer.
With attractions that cater to both domestic and international tourists, Cebu City remains one of the top choices for travelers and a key contributor to the region’s tourism economy.
CCLEC | Most Distinguished Institution
The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC), operated by Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), was recognized as the Most Distinguished Institution. It is the organization behind the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), currently the longest bridge in the Philippines that connects Cebu City to the Municipality of Cordova, which has transformed transportation and commerce in its neighboring cities and municipalities.
The award highlighted the corporation’s commitment to world-class infrastructure, sustainable operations, innovative mobility solutions, and contributions to the region.
Former Governor Gwendolyn Garcia | Progrecebu Excellence Award
Former Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia received the ProgreCebu Excellence Award for her visionary leadership and transformative governance. Garcia’s leadership was marked by people-centered programs such as SUGBUsog (community gardening), Sugbu Kahanas (skills training), Suroy Suroy Sugbo (tourism activity), Pasigarbo sa Sugbo (cultural event), and a province-wide feeding program.
She also initiated the Caravan of Provincial Government Services, which brought essential services to barangays, underscoring her commitment to public service.
The ProgreCebu Awards is set to become an annual event celebrating changemakers who keep Cebu and its people moving forward.
Written by Carl Griño and Andrew Ortoño; Edited by Mary Ruth Malinao
