Business tycoon George S.K. Ty, Group Chairman of Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company, is the latest recipient of the Gawad Lakan ng Kalakalan.

The Gawad Lakan ng Kalakalan was conferred to Mr. Ty last May 5 by the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) and witnessed by President Benigno S. Aquino III. The awarding ceremony was one of the highlights of the 32nd National Conference of Employers (NCE 32), organized by ECOP and held at Marriott Hotel Manila.

Mr. Ty is a man of vision, who as a young entrepreneur started out small but built a business empire through hard work and perseverance. He epitomizes not only the ideals of a successful businessman, but one who has a good heart to care for his employees and others. His success story as a businessman par excellance is founded on his capacity to know and choose good people and make them the best in what they do and how they do it.

Moreover, Mr. Ty looks beyond just making money, but also using it in a manner that will benefit the country, two things which to him are inseparable. His deeds are premised on the principle that if he does well, he can help others, and those that he has helped can make a difference on others the way he helped them.

The Gawad Lakan ng Kalakalan is ECOP's coveted and prestigious recognition given to outstanding entrepreneurs and employers who have served as stewards of business and economic development in the country. Likewise, this award champions employer excellence in management and leadership in pioneering organizational change and development to strengthen employer-labor relations. Employers and entrepreneurs deserving of this award are honored for being highly regarded by their peers for their great contribution to the country and economy, growth of business and socially responsible causes supported by their businesses and personal endeavors. Henry Sy, Sr. of SM Mart, Inc., Andrew Tan of Megaworld Corp. and Dr. Emilio T. Yap of Manila Bulletin were the previous recipients of the Lakan ng Kalakalan Award.