Entrepreneur of the Year - BARBARA "BAMBI" GOTHONG TAN (A.D. Gothong Manufacturing Corporation)

Entrepreneur of the Year: When Entrepreneurship Chooses You
There are a lot of successful people in the world. However. only a few “unstoppables” can build something truly remarkable.
Founded in 1978, A.D. Gothong Manufacturing Corporation has grown from a humble enterprise into a leading fats and oils company in the Philippines. For almost 50 years now, ADGMC has continued to be a key player in the food industry in the Philippines! Most especially in Cebu, “Bambi oil” is a common, indispensable kitchen staple. Its success story is deeply rooted in the company’s unwavering commitment to integrity, professionalism, responsibility, and respect for God and mankind.
Its visionary President and Chairman, Ms. Barbara Gothong Tan, is the eminent Entrepreneur of the Year: a tribute for her remarkable achievements and contributions to Cebu and the Philippine economy. The award recognizes vital contributions of leaders and catalysts of change that built and sustained world-class businesses, as testaments to their vision and leadership; created innovative products and industries; enriched individual lives; and contributed to the vibrancy of the economy.
As an integrated factory, A.D. Gothong Manufacturing Corporation operates its copra crushing plant, oil mill, and refinery. Its diverse product range includes vegetable oils, premium shortening, margarine, butter oil substitute, bread improver, CFAD, and copra cake, among others from local produce. All its products are HALAL-certified by the Islamic Dawah Council of the Philippines, ensuring compliance with the highest standards of quality and safety. It is also the only GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified fats and oils company in Cebu.
When ADGMC founder, Mr. Albino Gothong fell ill in 2006, Ms. Tan, fondly called “Bambi”, a Magna cum laude Accounting graduate and a CPA, was predestined to play a pivotal role in the family business - she was ready and more than equipped to rise to the challenge.
As a woman entrepreneur, Ms. Bambi focused on modernizing the company’s systems and processes, instilling a culture of professionalism while upholding the values of integrity her father had championed. She encouraged the adoption of new approaches and technologies within ADGMC. Indeed, she brought a renewed sense of direction to ADGMC.
ADGMC is an epitome of the maxim, “when women thrive, we all benefit”. Through the Alpa Foundation, Ms. Bambi actively engages in supporting educational programs, community and religious activities, as well as environmental stewardship, which extends the company’s positive impact to the supply chain and the broader community.
Under her wing, ADGMC has been recognized for their continued support to the struggling coconut farmers which include the GAWAD KAAGAPAY by the Land Bank of the Philippines in 2015, the prestigious LOCAL PRODUCT OF THE YEAR - for their flagship brand, Bambi by the Mandaue Chamber in 2017, the grand winner of the GAWAD LINAW AWARD as the Most Outstanding Innovative Labors Relations Practices by the joint bodies of the Mandaue City Government, Tripartite Industrial Peace Council, the Department of Labor & Employment in 2018. Additionally, in 2021 and 2023, ADGMC was recognized as one of the TOP IMPORTERS by the Bureau of Customs Subport of Cebu. Also, in 2023, Cebu Chamber awarded ADGMC as one of the CAPTAINS of INDUSTRY - MANUFACTURING AND WHOLESALER OF FATS & OILS. This year, ADGMC was recognized with the Top Supplier award by URC, one of the Philippines’ biggest conglomerates.
Underpinning A.D. Gothong Manufacturing Corporation’s success is a strong set of core values. The company values integrity, excellence & quality, respect, teamwork, dedication & loyalty, professionalism, and above all, love of God. These values have fostered a culture of industrial peace, community development, customer satisfaction, and market leadership.
Ms. Bambi is driven by her desire to better the world around her, and stops at nothing to achieve ADGMC’s greatest ambitions - to become the market leader in the fats and oil industry. Truly a fitting Entrepreneur of the Year!