Jose “Joe” Soberano III, chair of Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI), was awarded Most Distinguished Individual at the 3rd ProgreCebu Awards, an annual recognition organized by The Freeman and the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI).
During the awarding ceremony on July 22, Soberano was described as a visionary entrepreneur whose leadership transformed the real estate landscape of the Visayas and Mindanao through innovation, responsible development, and community building.
Beyond building communities, Soberano has championed sustainable development, environmental responsibility, and corporate excellence, while creating opportunities and improving the lives of many Filipinos.
Based on its latest corporate disclosures, CLI has 132 projects spread in 18 key cities in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Of these, about 70 to 80 completed and ongoing projects are in the Visayas, most of them in Cebu, followed by Bacolod City in Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental, and Bohol.
Other awardees
ProgreCebu Awards recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership and contributions continue to shape Cebu's business, tourism, and cultural landscape.
Aside from Soberano, the other awardees were International Pharmaceutical Inc. (IPI), which received the Most Distinguished Institution award; the Municipality of Moalboal, which was named Most Distinguished Destination; and internationally renowned Cebu fashion designer Cary Santiago, who received the ProgreCebu Excellence Award 2026.
Homegrown
IPI is a homegrown company that began with a single product—Efficascent Oil—in 1959. It has since expanded into a diversified portfolio of more than 100 brands spanning pharmaceutical, food, and wellness products, making it one of the country's largest manufacturers of pharmaceutical and consumer goods.
Moalboal, for its part, is one of Cebu's premier tourism destinations, known for its dive sites, marine sanctuary, and the famous Moalboal Sardine Run, where millions of sardines gather just a few meters from Panagsama Beach in mesmerizing synchronized formations.
The town was also recognized for its commitment to sustainable tourism and community development while preserving its natural heritage for future generations.
Santiago was recognized for elevating Cebuano talent to the global stage through his exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs, inspiring a new generation of Filipino creatives.
Celebrating excellence
In his speech, Miguel Belmonte, president of Star Group of Publications, said The Freeman and MCCI established the ProgreCebu Awards because "progress deserves recognition and excellence deserves to be celebrated."
He added that the awards also serve as a reminder that development is a shared endeavor, built by individuals and institutions willing to invest, innovate, and create lasting opportunities.
“To our honorees: your achievements are helping write the next chapter of Cebu’s remarkable journey. You have demonstrated that innovation, sustainability, and community empowerment are not merely ideals—they are the foundations of enduring progress,” Belmonte said.
“May your example inspire others to dream bigger, build boldly, and continue advancing a Cebu whose success resonates far beyond its shores and contributes meaningfully to the future of our nation.”
Inspiration
MCCI president Barbara Gothong-Tan said recognizing individuals and organizations for their contributions not only celebrates excellence but also encourages innovation and inspires others to help drive Cebu's continued progress.
"Recognition is important because it shines a light on stories that deserve to be told. It reminds us that progress is driven by people and organizations whose dedication inspires others to aim higher, serve better, and contribute more to our communities. That is what makes ProgreCebu more than an awards program," Tan said. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
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