By Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA
BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Evelio Leonardia received two top recognitions from the Asia Leaders Awards (ALA) 2018 during the awarding ceremony held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel on Thursday night.
Leonardia, who was the lone local government official nominee and awardee, received both the Lifetime Excellence Award for city governance, and the Mentor of the Year Award.
The City of Bacolod was also a finalist in the Tourism Company of the Year Award.
Leonardia said being nominated is “good enough” and “an honor in itself.”
In the Lifetime Excellence category, among the finalists were Andrew Tan of Megaworld for real estate, Gina Lopez of ABS-CBN for environment, and former Senator Rene Saguisag for human rights.
“This is not personal at all. Any recognition we get are all due to the people of Bacolod because they are the reason why all these positive developments are happening,” the mayor said.
Organized by the Tag Media Group, the ALA, which is a culmination of Asia Leaders Forum, recognizes and acknowledges leading men and women in various industries who have exhibited exemplary leadership and contributed in promoting the country as a premier business hub in Asia.
The ALA Lifetime Excellence award recognizes a notable individual for his/her outstanding personality and exceptional commitment in improving the business environment of the country.
The ALA Mentor of the Year Award recognizes persons who demonstrate a strong commitment to help the Filipinos and beyond, and possesses courage, leadership and moral value to develop and impart new perspective in both business and career.
Other categories were the Young Leader Award, Young CEO Award, Technology Company of the Year, Soul for OFWs Company of the Year, Tag Media & PR Brand Company of the Year Award, Most Innovative Company of the Year, SME Company of the Year, Green Company of the Year, CSR Company of the Year, and Service Excellence Company of the Year.
Also included were BPO Company of the Year, Telco Company of the Year, Tourism Company of the Year, Global Filipino Leader Award, Start-Up Company of the Year, Real Estate Company of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Hospitality Company of the Year Award.
