Cabangon honored as Reputable Icon in Business Governance

ALC Group Chairman D. Edgard A. Cabangon (right) delivers his message of gratitude as he accepts the Reputable Icon in Business Governance recognition at Asia’s Golden Icon Awards. Joining him on stage is Dr. Ronnel Ybañez, Founder and Chairman of Asia’s Golden Icon Awards.

D. Edgard A. Cabangon, chairman of the ALC Group of Companies, was honored with the Reputable Icon in Business Governance recognition at the Asia’s Golden Icon Awards held at Okada Manila on May 31, 2024.

The Asia’s Golden Icon Awards recognizes individual achievers and business entities that have made significant impacts in their communities and demonstrated excellence in their respective fields. Among the distinguished awardees were prominent figures, including Senator Mark A. Villar, named Asia’s Visionary Leader in Philippine Infrastructure; COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia, recognized as Iconic Leader in Public Governance; and Global Ferronickel Holdings Chairman Joseph Sy, awarded Asia’s Profound Leader in the Mining Industry.

As the chairman of the ALC Group, with companies spanning various industries such as media, insurance, pre-need services, car dealership, banking and finance, pawnshops, hotels, real estate development and management, and memorial care, Cabangon has been instrumental in setting the policy direction and guiding the group towards sustained growth and success.

Cabangon’s journey in business began during his high school years at Don Bosco Mandaluyong, where he apprenticed under the strict tutelage of his father, Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua. Reflecting on these formative years, he said, “Simula high school pa lamang ako, kasama na ako ng dad sa kanyang mga negosyo. At a young age, I was trained in the operations, from the simplest tasks to the most critical ones.”

He later pursued a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at De La Salle University. After completing his degree, he was sent to the United States to manage two gasoline stations with convenience stores from 1986 to 1990. This hands-on experience, where he worked as a gas station attendant while overseeing the convenience stores, taught him invaluable lessons about hard work and perseverance. “But you know what, I am very grateful to my dad for allowing me to experience that. I learned a lot—how to value the people we work with, pay attention to details, manage time effectively, and most importantly, that in order to succeed, you must do your best with whatever task you are given.”

The hardships he faced as a gasoline boy in the United States fueled his desire to pursue a law degree at the University of Sto. Tomas. While juggling his studies and helping his father manage their businesses, a defining moment arrived in his third year. Faced with a choice between continuing law school and prioritizing the family business at his father’s request, he made the difficult decision to forgo his legal education to answer his family’s call.

Cabangon’s leadership is deeply influenced by the values he learned from his father—hard work, compassion, dedication, and perseverance. These core principles continue to guide his approach to leadership and life, shaping him into the business leader he is today.

Expressing his gratitude for the award, Cabangon extended his heartfelt appreciation to the entire workforce of the ALC Group of Companies. He emphasized that the honor was a collective achievement, made possible by the dedication and support of every employee. “This award is not just mine alone to celebrate,” he remarked. “It belongs to each and every member of the ALC Group of Companies. Without their support and commitment, this recognition would not have been possible.” Cabangon acknowledged the hard work and loyalty of the employees, recognizing their integral role in the success and growth of the company.