Guv gets business award for California model and climate change adaptation

LEGAZPI CITY, Nov. 26 (PNA) -- For improving the lives of the people in Albay through a new, dynamic and forward moving socio-economic strategies designed to pole vault the province into one of the country’s investment and tourism hub, Albay Governor Joey Salceda is among the top awardees by the Biz News Asia, the country’s largest magazine in circulation in the Philippines.

Salceda is set to receive an award along with 14 others, who have “made their mark” in their chosen fields of endeavor during the magazine’s 8th Anniversary Celebration set on December 2 this year.

Business News Asia is presently the largest magazine in circulation in the Philippines with the best high-end readership and pass-on circulation of about 350,000 readers.

In a letter sent by BizNews Asia Publisher Tony S. Lopez, he said Salceda will receive the Award “for helping improve the standard of living of the people of Albay during his incumbency as governor, with his focus on the five Es—economy, education, environment, equity and health; for making the province a model for climate change mitigation and adaptation, for visioning to make Albay a little California during the early part of the 21st century, and for being one of the country’s preeminent economic advisers, an expertise honed by a distinguished work in the private sector and 12 years of public service”.

Salceda is also known to have pioneered the "preemptive evacuation" strategy in disaster risk control in his province, which is now adopted by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and other disaster councils in the country.

Among the other awardees this year are: Rene Almendras, president, Manila Water; Amable Aguiluz, AMA group of companies; Bansan Choa, chairman, Surewell Equities; Delfin Wenceslao, DM Wenceslao and Associates; Reghis Romero, RII Holdings; Manuel Paolo Villar, Vista Land; Architect Jun Palafox; Vice President Noli de Castro; DBP President Rey David; Raul Concepcion of COPW; Elizabeth H. Lee of Campi, Tessie Sy of BDO, and Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

Now on its third year, BREW Award honors the tycoons, taipans, CEOs and visionaries who have made their mark in the field of real estate and in enhancing the lifestyle and life of Filipinos. Real Estate does not mean just property. It refers to the environment and lifestyle.

Business News Asia will hold the awarding ceremony at the Hotel Intercontinental Ballroom in Makati City, December 2 starting at 5:45 p.m.

Another category of awards will be conducted on the same ceremony, the 2009 Business Icon Gold (BIG), the awardees of which are: Washington SyCip; Lucio Tan and George SK Ty.