For making Jollibee a renowned fast-food chain here in the country and in the world, Jollibee Foods Corporation's chief executive officer Ernesto Tanmantiong was named by the Management Association of the Philippines as its Management Person of the Year 2023.
With its prime offering hailed as the world's famous Jollibee "Chicken Joy," Jollibee as of September 2023, has over 1,500 outlets worldwide, with restaurants in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, East Asia (Hong Kong and Macau), North America, and Europe, including Spain, Italy and the UK.
According to the MAP, Tanmantiong was chosen for many reasons, including accelerating Jollibee's globalization and transforming it into one of the world's largest and fastest-growing restaurant companies.
He was also cited for steering his group to an impressive and quick turnaround after its first-ever loss due to the Covid-19 pandemic and post-record-breaking, for Jollibee's impressive system-wide sales and operating income; for his leadership role in his group's substantial contributions to job creation, income generation, and national development, and for raising the Philippine flag with pride in many countries around the world, concretely manifesting national pride, and proving that Filipino companies can compete successfully alongside global big brands.
Espousing inclusive growth
Also, the JFC CEO was chosen for consistently espousing inclusive growth by providing opportunities to small and medium enterprises through his group's franchise program, and for uplifting the farmers to become entrepreneurs by providing market access as accredited suppliers of his group; for unstinting support in the eradication of malnutrition by providing a systematic school-feeding program nation-wide, and for improving the poor's access to food by implementing programs on agro-entrepreneurship, technical-vocational education and disaster response.
Tanmantiong also earned the MAP honor for consistently pursuing sustainable practices in his group, undertaking initiatives such as hiring seniors and persons with disability, implementing reusable dining wares and paper packaging, among others; and for his contributions to shaping national values and inspiring others through his outstanding achievements attained by hard work, passion and discipline.
The "MAP Management Person of the Year" is an award that the MAP confers on individuals in business or government, whether a member of the MAP or not, who have attained unquestioned distinction in the practice of management, and have made valuable contributions to the progress of the country and in re-shaping national values.
Record of achievement
It is bestowed on exceptional persons who have posted a record of achievement and distinction as leaders and managers of organizations, and who are exemplary models who deserve to be emulated by their peers and by the younger leaders and managers.
The conferment of the award follows a thorough, stringent selection process.
The distinction "MAP Management Person of the Year" has only been conferred 47 times in the six-decade history of the award.
Award criteria include integrity, leadership, and management qualities; contribution to nation-building and values formation; and effective stewardship within the confines of the highest standard of business and management practice; among others.
Tanmantiong will be included in the roster of business executives chosen to receive the same commendation.
Last year's MAP Management Person of the Year award was received by Isidro Consunji, the CEO of Semirara Mining Corp.
The conferment of the award will be held on 28 November 2023.