D. Edgard A. Cabangon, Chairman of the ALC Group of Companies, has been named one of the twelve laureates of the 2025 Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU). The award honors individuals who have made meaningful contributions to strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the Philippines and China through their work, advocacy, and leadership.
The awarding ceremony was held on June 3 at The Manila Hotel, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China. The event was led by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, APCU Chairman Raul Lambino, and APCU President Benedicto Yujuico Sicsto. Organized by the Association for Philippines-China Understanding (APCU) in partnership with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Philippines, the occasion marked a significant milestone in the two nations’ relationship.
In a statement, Cabangon expresses gratitude, “I thank the APCU and the Chinese Embassy for this meaningful recognition. I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition. This award reminds us of the importance of friendship, respect, and cooperation between our countries. I hope to live up to what this award stands for.”
He also shared that he takes inspiration from his late father, Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, former Philippine Ambassador to Laos. “My father believed in the power of relationships to create progress. He taught us that mutual understanding and shared goals lead to real development. We continue to follow that belief today. In Filipino, we call it pakikisama—building harmony and goodwill with others.”
Among Cabangon’s efforts to promote stronger international ties is his active participation in events that encourage goodwill and cooperation between nations. Through the ALC Media Group, he has consistently supported responsible journalism that highlights diplomacy, development, and global partnerships.
A key example of this commitment is BusinessMirror’s Envoys&Expats section, published on Thursdays, which features in-depth reporting on diplomatic relations, international developments, and services for expatriates and members of the diplomatic community in the Philippines. This special section was the fruit of the vision of the late Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, who launched it in 2013 to foster greater understanding between the Philippines and the global community. Today, that vision continues to guide the section’s mission—using media as a platform for building bridges among nations.
This year, a total of twelve individuals were honored as APPCU laureates. Former Senator Anna Dominique “Nikki” Coseteng received the Hall of Fame Award. The Outstanding Contribution Award was conferred on D. Edgard A. Cabangon and Maynard S. Ngu. Recognized for Major Contribution were Ma. Josefina Tanya Go Belmonte-Alimurung, Ng Siu Seng, Joaquin Sy, and Teodorico Nebres Dofiles II. The Amity Awards were given to Marianne Lourdes M. Leonor, Nelson Garcia Santiago, Eden Batangoy Accad, Shirley C. Agrupis, and Justine Clarence Lao Tembresa.
