A little more than half a century ago, when we chose to build a paper converting plant in Marilao, Bulacan, we had simple goals, humble hopes and simple operations.

Not long after, we found ourselves answering a call and marching to a feverish beat set by the local government in order to make Bulacan stand out in the investment map. Fueled with encouragement from the local government and armed with a clear vision, and a firm resolve to do business despite the odds, the simple goals transcended the usual business operations. Our humble hopes have spawned with renewed vigor a reawakened approach towards social responsiveness and community involvement. We revisited our operations to ensure focus in responding head up to an important challenge posed by Bulacan’s local government – make the province the country’s formidable partner in nation building.

Through the collective efforts of our friends, our business associates, our employees and the local government, we continue to move on, thanks to the local officials’ imagination and commitment in steering the province to gradually attain a robust economy, their efforts in preserving a rich blend of cultures that narrowed racial gaps and trimmed language barriers, their relentless drive towards peace and order, the sincere efforts in opening more employment opportunities not only to its citizens, but to the neighboring provinces as well. We got inspired by the province’s continuous desire to reach out to the private sector in conceptualizing and implementing mass-based programs.

With the strong back draft provided by Bulacan, the busy men and women of various industries, set aside their quest for individual triumphs, unified themselves in an effort to move and speak as one, without losing individual identities.

Thus, the Bulacan Commercial and Industrial Association was born.

The challenge became more evident. On the other hand, the zealousness of the members and my colleagues was more than inspiring.

With the stewardship of this humble representation as President of the Association, our little steps became bold accomplishments.

1. Cognizant of the rewarding effects of education to both the individual and the society, we established a scholarship fund for academically excellent but financially hard up students.

2. We donated school buildings thru the help of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Incorporated (FFCCCII).

3. An inter-company discount program has been put in place. This program which started with our retail company, Expressions, grants discounts to members and employees as they purchase products of member companies. Apart from making business among members bloom, the program has become a ready help in stretching the family budget.

4. Our Association subscribes to the beauty of health and the wonders it does to a productive society. We have done medical missions to several Bulacan communities and are continuing to do so.

5. We have always valued the continuous development of the self and the incessant upgrading of skills. Our efforts in launching training programs in consortium with the FFCCCII will always form part of our commitment to contribute to a society of productive, values-oriented, knowledge-driven and skillful citizens.

6. True to our desire in helping intensify the campaign against bad elements of society, we have donated 5 units of motorcycles to the local PNP chapter during our last induction ceremony.

The challenge continues and the inspiring partnership between BCIA and the province of Bulacan has established a happy balance between winning business operations and responsible social involvement. Our working relationship has been made more vibrant by the genuine warmth, the positive outlook, the enthusiasm of the people – distinctively that of Bulakeños.

After a little more than half a century, Sterling Paper Products Enterprises, Incorporated and the Bulacan Commercial and Industrial Association yet in its infancy, backed up by unselfish assistance from its members and the ever-present guidance and grace from God, hand-in-hand continue to stand tall in supporting Bulacan’s over-all efforts in nation building because Bulacan is indeed our second home.

Mr. Joseph Lim, President
Bulacan Commercial and Industrial Association