D. Edgard A. Cabangon: A Modern Business Hero

Dominic Edgard A. Cabangon, Chairman of the ALC Group of Companies, was recently recognized as a Modern Hero by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) during the recent Asia’s Modern Hero Awards 2024.

Edgard's compassion is deeply rooted in his upbringing and the teachings of St. John Bosco, which emphasize kindness and generosity. | Photo: ALC Group of Companies

This accolade reflects his significant contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many businesses faced unprecedented challenges.

Edgard, who now leads the business empire founded by his late father, Ambassador Antonio Cabangon Chua, played a pivotal role in aiding local government units (LGUs) to manage the pandemic's impact.

He generously provided free access to the ALC Group’s hotels and motels to house COVID-19 patients and serve as temporary residences for healthcare workers.

Notably, ten of the ALC Group’s establishments, including Citystate Tower in Malate, Manila Grand Opera Hotel, Orchids, Dahlia, and Bermuda Hotels in Pasig and Mandaluyong, as well as Citystate Asturias in Puerto Princesa, were used to support these efforts.

This gesture significantly eased the burden on LGUs, providing them with essential space to quarantine patients and prevent the virus from spreading further.

In a particularly innovative approach, Edgard allowed the Philippine General Hospital to utilize Citystate Tower in Malate as a halfway house, free of charge, ensuring that doctors and nurses could rest in a sanitized environment before returning to their homes.

This initiative underscored the ALC Group's commitment to supporting the healthcare community during a critical time.

Edgard’s dedication didn’t go unnoticed. His efforts were highlighted in Congress during discussions on the Bayanihan Act, a law aimed at providing assistance to businesses and citizens.

Legislators commended the ALC Group’s altruism, contrasting them with other businesses that sought to profit during the pandemic.

Edgard's compassion is deeply rooted in his upbringing and the teachings of St. John Bosco, which emphasize kindness and generosity. This spirit of giving was evident not only in his response to the pandemic but also in his everyday actions.

For instance, rather than celebrating a recent birthday with a lavish party, Edgard chose to make donations to several churches, a testament to his charitable nature.

Driven by a sense of duty to his employees and the community, Edgard prioritizes the well-being of others over profit. His approach to leadership, characterized by compassion and a commitment to social responsibility, has made him a true modern hero and a role model for business leaders in the Philippines.