As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, CDO Foodsphere, Inc. toured members of the media from Manila to its manufacturing plant in Malvar, Batangas.
Dubbed “Welcome to Our Home,” the activity introduced guests to the company’s humble beginnings—from a small kitchen in Valenzuela to its status as a globally recognized Filipino food empire.
Photo/s: Arniel Serato
Present were the founders and leaders who have built the company into a national brand—the Ong family.
The Ong family (L-R): Janna Marie Ong, Marketing Manager; Dr. Charmaine Ong-Castro, SVP for Corporate Purchasing, Treasury, and Corporate Governance; Jason Ong, VP for Emerging Businesses and President of Odyssey Foundation; Corazon Dayro Ong, founder; Jerome Ong, President and CEO; Jao Ong, Senior Customer Development Manager.
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CDO FOUNDER CORAZON DAYRO ONG’s message
In her moving speech, 81-year-old CDO founder and owner Corazon Dayro Ong recalled how she built her food empire from scratch 50 years ago.
“When we started CDO 50 years ago, I was simply a mom cooking in our small home kitchen, hoping to share something good with the others.
“We didn’t have big plans back then. We just wanted to make delicious food that people would enjoy.”
Photo/s: Arniel Serato
One of her recipes for success is listening to feedback from others.
Ong added: “As the founder, it brings me so much joy to see how far we’ve come just by listening to our customers and staying true to our vision that started it all.
“But what brings me the most happiness is knowing that in our small way, we’ve been part of your homes, your tables, and your memories.
“We’ve always done our best to bring the warm and goodness of mom-made cooking to every Filipino home.
“Today, let me thank you once again for being with us today. You have heard our story, and I hope you will cherish those memories with us.
“Thank you once again, and let the delicious future of food always bring you home.”
CDO PRESIDENT JEROME ONG’s message
For his part, the company’s president and CEO, Jerome D. Ong, talked about the company’s rich history, enduring values, and future aspirations.
He also reiterated the company’s steadfast commitment to serving communities.
CDO President and CEO Jerome Ong and Pat Magbanua, head of corporate affairs and communication.
Here’s an excerpt from his speech:
“It’s an opportunity for us to open our doors and share who we are, how we work, and most importantly, why we do what we do.
“After 50 years of serving Filipino families, we believe this moment is a perfect chance to strengthen our connection with you and so that you may share our story to our kababayans.
“Let me share a little bit more about our journey.
“CDO is a Filipino food company founded in 1975 by our mom, Corazon Dayro Ong, together with my dad, Jose de Jesus Ong.
“And their simple but enduring goal was to serve delicious, affordable, and high-quality food that brings the taste of home to every Filipino.
“And what started in the humble kitchen of our home in Valenzuela has grown into one of the most trusted names in the food industry in the Philippines today.
“Our products are sold in almost 300,000 stores across the country, reaching three out of five Filipino homes and also available in more than 20 countries around the world, sharing our food creations with our kababayans abroad.
“And we stay true to our commitment to deliver food that not only satisfies the palate, but also nurtures the heart.
“And on the business side, we focus on winning where it matters, by growing where our consumers are, making our food brands the trusted choice of Filipino families, preserving freshness, delivering value, and bringing people the taste of home.
“Because here at CDO, we believe that food is more than just nourishment. It’s about creating meaningful meal, mealtime experiences, preserving the warmth of home-cooked meals and supporting Filipino families in every bite.
“Our mission is rooted in our core values of integrity, innovation, openness, passion for customers, and love for God. These values guide us in everything that we do, from how we treat our people to how we serve our communities.”
The event also featured breakout sessions that allowed guests to experience the company’s manufacturing excellence firsthand and learn more about its CSR programs through the Odyssey Foundation, led by its president, Jason Ong.
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