From left: SGV Foundation Chairman and President David L. Balangue, SGV & Co. Managing Partner Cirilo P. Noel, Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines 2009 and Chairman and President of Planters Development Bank Amb. Jesus P. Tambunting, Mrs. Margarita Tambunting, Chairman of the Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines 2009 judging committee Mr. Cesar Virata, Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines 2007 and President and CEO of Alaska Milk Corporation Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, Jr.

Ambassador Jesus P. Tambunting, Chairman and President of Planters Development Bank (Plantersbank) was named the Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines 2009 in an awards banquet held at the Makati Shangri-La hotel last October 15. He was also presented with a category award as Master Entrepreneur 2009.

Amb. Tambunting was recognized for being a champion for the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), earning him the title "entrepreneur for entrepreneurs." He was selected from among the seven category winners of the Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines. As the winner of the national title, Amb. Tambunting will represent the Philippines in the World Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards in Monte Carlo, Monaco in June 2010.

"It is truly an honor to have been bestowed this prestigious award. I believe that our entrepreneurial spirit is what drove us to establish, build and grow Plantersbank. It is the same entrepreneurial drive that makes us understand and keep our focus on the SME sector. The award affirms that the Bank took the right path in choosing to serve the SMEs, especially those in the countryside." said Amb. Tambunting.

Amb. Tambunting was honored for his commitment to focus on financing and helping SMEs through Planters Development Bank. Under his leadership, Plantersbank has become the leader in SME finance resources and the country's largest private development bank.

Presenting him the award were SGV Foundation Chairman and President David L. Balangue, SGV & Co. Managing Partner Cirilo P. Noel, Chairman of the Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines 2009 judging committee Mr. Cesar Virata, Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines 2007 and President and CEO of Alaska Milk Corporation Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, Jr. He was also joined on stage by his wife, Ms. Margarita Tambunting.

Amb. Tambunting was named Master Entrepreneur 2009 for best exemplifying sound management practices in critical areas of the company, including finance, marketing, human resources and sales, proving that banks can meet social development goals yet remain efficient, profitable, responsive to shareholders and sensitive to risks.