| Lopue Sr. and Torre |
Undaunted emblems of pride: the DPOTMH and Lopue Department Stores storyWhat do hospitals and department stores have in common? Is it the readiness to serve the clientele's varying demands? Is it having most of what one will need in just one quick stop? Or is it the promptness of its staff to serve its patrons? Unwittingly, it could be any of the above. In Bacolod, however, both have become a source of pride and joy not only to its founding families but to all Negrenses as a whole.  Dr. Pablo O. Torre Memorial, a hospital situated at the heart of Bacolod, ceases to be just the region's premier hospital. With facilities that can definitely compete with Metro Manila hospitals, DPOTMH is now considered a top rate medical institution.Known for breaking grounds in the field of health service, Dr. Pablo O. Torre Memorial Hospital takes great pride for being the first hospital outside Metro Manila to use the Bio Z cardiac monitor, a NASA developed machine that measures the mechanical function of the heart. The hospital also boasts of being the first medical institution in the country to use the Pneumatic-tube system which both alleviates and augments the speed of transfer of laboratory specimens and medicines to the different area of the hospital. Only the most advance hospitals in the USA use this kind of method. All these were made possible because of the remarkable leadership of Joaquin Torre, the hospital’s very able president. At another part of the city, a chain of department stores owned by the Lopue family proudly lines the province. Starting out as a sari-sari store during the Japanese Regime, the company slowly but surely climbed to the top until it has become the retail cluster giant that it is known today.  Catalyzed by the determination of its founder, Ben Lopue Sr., fondly called “Big Boss” by his employees, the company slowly eased its way to profitability, spawning branches and constructing warehouses to support the retail stores’ needs. Being a visionary and enterprising man, Lopue saw an economic growth opportunity in the area.Years later, more and more branches add up to the chain. Today, there are ten Lopue’s branches scattered across Negros. In the coming years, Negrenses may see more stores opening in the area such as Lopue’s Silay, the latest addition to the chain of Lopue’s stores which will commence operations within the year 2007. Moving forward towards progress, Lopue’s Department Stores shall always stay true on its thrust of bringing the market to the people. For their remarkable contributions in spearheading the business growth in Bacolod, vis-à-vis providing means of livelihood to their kababayans, Benjamin Kho Lopue Sr. and Joaquin Torre will be among the Most Inspiring Bacolod Entrepreneurs to be awarded by President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo and Presidential Consultant for Entrepreneurship Jose Concepcion III on July 13-14, 2007 at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum. The citation is given by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) as part of the Go Negosyo sa Bacolod, part of PCE's the Go Negosyo Caravan which aims to bring Go Negosyo forums and expositions in key cities outside Metro Manila. Go Negosyo sa Bacolod is in cooperation with the Philippine Airlines, PAGCOR, Globe, Hyundai, PLDT, Smart, Islands Souvenirs, DTI-OTOP and RFM Corporation. Other event partners include University of St. La Salle, SM Supermalls and the Cebu City Marriot Hotel, The Philippine Star, The Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Manila Bulletin, GMA Network Inc., RPN9, NBN4, Aspac-Law, Ideal Minds Corporation, and Full Circle Communications. Go Negosyo sa Bacolod is supported by the Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Bacolod City Economic and Business Council through the representation of Bobby Montelibano (President) and Bro. Rolly Dizon (Chairman), respectively. |
