Lamoiyan Corporation Celebrates Its 25th Year!

I first became familiar with Hapee Toothpaste’s history several years ago when I first interviewed Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro, founder of Lamoiyan Corporation, for a book published by the Philippine Bible Society. His is a story of faith and determination. I feel blessed and privileged writing about him.

screen cap of an old blog entry in my Multiply page
about 100 Ways to Live the Word
a Philippine Bible Society publication

To those who don’t know, Lamoiyan was established in 1988 as a 100% Filipino-owned firm that manufactures toothpastes despite the stiff competition with multinationals. It is the company that launched Hapee, the first local toothpaste brand, which has consistently maintained its world-class quality that can compete with any of its foreign counterparts.

Lamoiyan definitely deserves all the rights to stand proud as the first Filipino company to successfully penetrate the Philippines’ toothpaste industry through Hapee and Kutitap during its first few years. Since then, the line of products kept getting longer (Kiddie Toothpaste, Gumtect, Dazz, and Licealiz) many of which have earned the trust and loyalty of their consumers both here and abroad. 

Lamoiyan's flagship product

When I got the invite to Lamoiyan’s Silver Anniversary press con, I didn’t think twice and said yes. It’s always a pleasure to listen to Dr. Pedro speak because he makes a lot of sense and tells a lot of jokes :) Once you hear him deliver a speech, you’ll also look forward to hearing him again in the future.

Yesterday, in line with its 25th year, Lamoiyan Corporation formally announced their upcoming activities and showcased past accomplishments to celebrate the important milestone. I love their theme: “Giving Hope, Sharing Hapee Smiles” because that’s what they have been doing all these years. 

Lamoiyan celebrates 25th year with more CSR projects

Aside from providing Filipinos with affordable and good quality products, Lamoiyan also helps deaf-mutes by hiring and making them productive members of our society. In addition, the company has been involved in advocacy projects like the Pasig River rehabilitation and with organizations such as Operation Smile.

This year, Lamoiyan is once again tying-up with the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) and its trade partners for its nationwide medical/dental missions. Since the company is celebrating 25 years, 25 poor barangays in key cities all over the country will be chosen as beneficiaries.  The Adopt-A-Barangay project will provide free dental services as well as education on the prevention of head lice. 

shaking hands on a worthwhile partnership

“It is our continuous advocacy of caring for the needy and improving communities,” stated John Paul Ang, Assistant VP for New Business, who also quoted Sir Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by giving what we have.”

The press con, held at the Acacia Hotel in Alabang, coincided with the company’s three-day National Sales Convention that aims to empower and build a stronger business relationship with valued trade partners. The annual gathering, themed “Silver”, is a fitting tribute to Lamoiyan’s trade partners’ substantial contributions to the company’s continued growth. 

Dr. Cecilio Pedro

According to Dr. Pedro, celebrating their silver anniversary amid the convention “is the perfect opportunity for us to show what God has done for a Christian-Filipino company in a highly-competitive oral care industry. With our trade partners present, together we will walk the path to victory.”

Recalling the struggles when Lamoiyan was still taking baby steps and there were people who were discouraging him to continue, Dr. Pedro affirmed that his company’s success throughout the years proved otherwise. “It’s been a good 25 years, and we are looking forward to more years together with our trade partners in order to make a difference—all for the glory of God.”

representatives of Lamoiyan and its trade partners

He also promised, “As long as there are Filipinos, Lamoiyan will continue to find ways to serve.”

To know more about how Lamoiyan Corporation gives hope to Filipinos and shares Hapee smiles, visit www.lamoiyan.com or www.facebook.com/LamoiyanCorporation.