Cabangon named Asia’s Humanitarian Hero for COVID-19 response

ALC Group Chairman D. Edgard A. Cabangon receives the Asia’s Humanitarian Hero Award from Asia’s Modern Hero Awards Founder Dr. Ronnel Ybañez.

D. Edgard A. Cabangon, Chairman of the ALC Group of Companies, was honored as Asia’s Humanitarian Hero at the Asia’s Modern Hero Awards, held on August 23, 2024, at Okada, Manila. This recognition highlights Chairman Cabangon’s outstanding leadership and the ALC Group’s critical humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly their swift action in converting multiple hotels into quarantine facilities.

In response to the government’s urgent call for assistance during the pandemic’s peak, Chairman Cabangon led the ALC Group offering its 10 hotels across key cities—Manila, Pasig, Mandaluyong, and Puerto Princesa—as quarantine facilities for more than a year, free of charge. This decisive move provided safe and secure spaces for individuals, including medical frontliners, and played a vital role in the community’s pandemic response.

Chairman Cabangon, in an interview, expressed gratitude to the award-giving body for recognizing the group’s efforts. “This award is a tribute not just to me, but to the entire ALC Group of Companies,” he remarked. “Our decision to offer our facilities during the pandemic was not made for recognition. It was a reflection of our commitment to our community and the values that have guided us for decades.”

He emphasized that their actions were guided by “malasakit,” a value instilled by his father, Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua. “In a crisis of this magnitude, we knew our actions had to be driven by compassion and responsibility. We put the community’s well-being above all else, knowing it was the right thing to do.”

 “Our decision to convert our hotels into quarantine facilities was not made lightly,” Chairman Cabangon explained. At the start of the pandemic, there was concern that if it lasted 2 to 3 months, the hotels might be stigmatized, deterring future guests. 

Despite these risks, the ALC Group was among the first to respond to the government’s call. “Community needs had to take precedence over business concerns. While we hoped the pandemic would end quickly, immediate action was necessary,” Cabangon said. Their commitment to public service outweighed fears of stigma and loss, and their quick response was met with gratitude from Mayors and other government officials, reinforcing their decision.

Chairman Cabangon humbly dedicated the award to the entire ALC Group, emphasizing that their collective effort made a real difference during a difficult time. “Our focus was on helping where we could, without seeking attention,” he concluded.

Other awardees included Senators Joel Villanueva and Robinhood Padilla, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and 2nd District of Parañaque Representative Gus Tambunting, among others.