Alfonso Uy, owner of La Filipina Uy Gongco Corp., remembers being the most hardworking 15-year-old in Iloilo.
Now 69, he shares the story of how his father started their business and how he became a well-trained entrepreneur.
The roots of La Filipina started way back in 1901 when Alfonso’s father began a small bakeshop and grocery store. He diversified into importation and distribution that helped him develop a reputable business before World War II.
During the war, however, business faltered. Alfonso’s father also passed away. During the post-war period of
reconstruction, his eldest brother took over the business.Because of the losses and complications brought about by the war, the following years were hardly a success for the business.
In 1954, the then 15-year-old Alfonso was told that his family could not support him through school anymore. He then decided to join the family business.“I learned from the company. I learned to accept responsibility,” said Alfonso. He learned the value of understanding and patience at a young age, to give respect to and satisfy the demands of customers. After finishing his chemical engineering degree, magna cum laude, and coming in second in the board exams, he became manager of their company.
In the ensuing years, various opportunities opened up and they started other businesses such as sugar mills, shipping services, post harvest facilities, real estate development, feeds milling, livestock, and property development services, among others.
As an entrepreneur who started with the basics of business at a young age, Alfonso shares some tips for would-be entrepreneurs.
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