July 3,2014

The first ASEAN Business Awards Philippines has extended its application/nomination period to run until July 15, 2014. 

The ASEAN Business Awards Philippines aim to recognize outstanding Philippine enterprises that promote competitiveness of local entrepreneurs and their ability to explore and harness the opportunities that the AEC offers. This is the flagship program for 2014 of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines (ASEAN-BAC Philippines) to help drive awareness on the AEC, which is set to roll out in 2015. 

The ASEAN BAC Philippines is the local representative of the regional ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC), the official ASEAN linkage tasked to provide private sector feedback and guidance to boost ASEAN's efforts towards economic integration and identify priority areas for considerations by the ASEAN Leaders.

This year, the ASEAN Business Awards Philippines will take on the theme "Enhancing Regional Competitiveness through National Cooperation." The categories include Large Businesses for Innovation, Corporate Excellence and ASEAN Centricity; and Small & Medium Enterprises for SME, Young Entrepreneurs and Women Leaders.

According to Teresita Sy-Coson, Philippine representative to the ASEAN Business Advisory Council and Vice-Chairman of SM Investments Corporation, "Through the awards, the ASEAN BAC Philippines aims to recognize exemplary local enterprises and allow them to serve as agents of awareness of the AEC.  The awards will also serve to inspire and rally Filipino businesses to participate and become key players in the broader market, as well as strengthen the Philippines' overall competitiveness in the ASEAN Economic Community. This is the first of many steps to becoming meaningful ASEAN citizens and entrepreneurs."

Interested companies and enterprises may visit www.aseanbac.ph for details on the application guidelines and mechanics.  Inquiries may also be coursed through the ASEAN Business Awards Philippines secretariat at abasecretariat@aseanbac.ph. 

About ASEAN-BAC Philippines

The ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines (ASEAN BAC Philippines) is the local representative of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC), the official ASEAN linkage tasked to provide private sector feedback and guidance to boost ASEAN's efforts towards economic integration and identify priority areas for considerations by the ASEAN Leaders.

For further information, please contact:

Therese Necio-Ortega

Vice President for Corporate Communications

SM Investments Corporation

Tel.No.: 857-0100 loc. 1039

Email: therese.necio@sminvestments.com

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