Filbake Food Marks 40 Years with Prestigious DOST ICON Award in Western Visayas

Kalibo, Aklan – As it celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, Filbake Food Corporation has been recognized as the Industry 4.0 Champion of Innovation (ICON) 2025 Awardee for Region VI (Western Visayas) by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The award was conferred during the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week on September 10, 2025, at Robinsons Place Roxas, Capiz. With the theme “Siyensa, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Maayos na Kinabukasan,” the celebration honored enterprises that have successfully adopted advanced technologies to drive growth and competitiveness across Western Visayas.

Filbake Food Corporation was cited for its pioneering integration of Industry 4.0 practices, showcasing how a homegrown MSME can embrace innovation and technology to scale up operations and raise industry standards.

The award was presented by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, with DOST VI Regional Director Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga and DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Usec. Sancho A. Mabrabong. Accepting the award on behalf of Filbake were Dr. Cynthia C. Dela Cruz (Advisory Board Member), Ms. Ivy Lim (AVP for Operations), and Ms. Bernadette Iremedio (Consultant, Prime Bread & Butter Bakeshop Corporation).

Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Guidon I. Dela Cruz, President of Filbake, said:

“On our 40th year, receiving the ICON Award for Western Visayas is both a great honor and a meaningful affirmation of our journey. We are deeply grateful to DOST, especially DOST Aklan Provincial Director Dyna Rose G. Tibubos, for their steadfast support to micro, small, and medium enterprises in the region. This recognition is a shared success with our employees, partners, and the communities we serve.”

As Filbake marks four decades of innovation and service, the company remains committed to advancing the food manufacturing industry and championing the growth of MSMEs in the provinces, ensuring that Western Visayas continues to thrive as a hub of entrepreneurship and progress.