A local business that started the hot pandesal (Filipino bread roll) craze in the 1970s and is now a significant landscape in the food business industry was named Ilonggo Entrepreneur of the Year by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Iloilo in a ceremony Thursday evening, Dec. 19.
Awardee Emilio Diez of JD Bakeshop recalled the inspiration behind JD Bakeshop.
His father-in-law, Jose Deligencia, marveled at a Hong Kong-based friend who achieved progress with Buho Bakery despite starting in a small space. The admiration fueled his dream.
“We started 50 years ago. From our humble beginnings, it started just as a cottage industry, which was very famous at that time. We started as a hot pandesal craze. During those times, hot pandesal was the in thing,” he narrated during the awarding rites at the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art of the Iloilo Business Park.
“Today, we offer more than just baked goods. We offer meals and we also go with the trend. We have smoothies, coffee, and the like,” he added.
Diez said their business anchors on discipline, persistence and innovation as he highlighted their latest venture, JD Innovate, a recently opened branch focused on creative dining concepts.
“This is proof of our commitment to discipline, persistence and innovation,” he added.
The Search for Outstanding Ilonggo Entrepreneur Awards, now in its third year, celebrates visionary leaders transforming Iloilo’s business landscape.
Other winners included Young Ilonggo Entrepreneur awardee Alice Grace Ledesma-Bautista (One BPO) and Aspiring Entrepreneur awardee Genecio Woo (The B Academy Ph., Inc).
Special citations were awarded across various categories, including social, sustainable, and tech-based entrepreneurship — Social Entrepreneur Award for Paul Kaldi of Paul Kaldi Coffee; Sustainable Entrepreneur Award, Bea Genson of Clothes Station; Innovative Entrepreneur Award, Ledesma-Bautista of One BPO; Creative Entrepreneur Award, Cris Vinson of Primof; Tech-Based Entrepreneur Award, Genecio Woo of the B Academy Ph., Inc; and Non-Tech-Based Entrepreneur Award, Arnel John Vallejo of Banwa Pens.
Awardees received the Tariktik Trophy, crafted by renowned Ilonggo artist Marrz Capanang, symbolizing resilience and integrity, inspired by the endangered Visayan hornbill.
“Your contributions have created jobs, fostered growth, and inspired countless others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. I am deeply thankful for these invaluable contributions and for being the driving force behind our city’s progress. You have not only impacted your respective industries but also uplifted the lives of many Ilonggos,” Mayor Jerry Treñas said in his message delivered by Velma Jane Lao, head of the Iloilo City Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office.Perla Lena/PNA
