Fil C. Sionil
As if stepping out of the pages of the monthly GQ magazine, he had a casual navy blue blazer over a powder blue shirt, without necktie, a pair of denim pants and black leather sandals. It was a super-cool outfit. There was the whiff of scent, not overpowering, but rather welcoming and refreshing.
This was Mr. Ramon S. Ang, or RSA, president and chief operating officer of the country's most diversified food and beverage conglomerate, San Miguel Corporation. The last time I met him, up close and personal was eons ago.
Today we’re all caught up with the hourly dosage of TV news with anchors reminding us to honor and commend the frontliners for their sacrifices and forbearance. I should have written this piece in time for the Araw ng Kagitingan last month. But events, which unfolded have overtaken it. Still, I believe, it’s not too late and it remains fitting to acknowledge the efforts and contributions of our business leaders – of course first on my list is Mr. RSA.
Although he was struggling through a personal emotional fight, his thoughts and feelings brought him to a bigger battle – to assist, in every possible way in com¬bating the health menace.
He sees through the haze created by the pandemic and is now quietly working to provide needed assistance to the company’s stakeholders.
He is thinking of ways in this time of adversity to uplift, lighten some of the load from the national government, at the same time, addressing the needs of the marginalized sector, the underprivileged, the medical practitioners and other health workers.
San Miguel has spent over a billion pesos to help address the risks caused by COVID-19, providing essential items such as ethyl alcohol, personal protective equipment, purchase of medical equipment and supplies including ventilators; free use by medical workers of expressways operated by its subsidiary, SMC Infrastructure; and, providing Libreng Sakay (free ride) for medical frontliners.
In partnership with the LGUs and non-profit organizations, San Miguel has poured millions of pesos worth of food products – canned goods, fresh produce, biscuits, bread, coffee and milk – to the needy in the disadvantaged communities,
It brings to mind the thank-you letter he wrote me before the pandemic. In this cutting edge of electronics when most of the appreciation and commendation I get is done through multiple social platforms, Mr. RSA expressed his appreciation through a letter, which for me is sheer treasure.
As we continue in the extended ECQ, in Metro Manila, we take our hats off to Mr. RSA for his relentless contributions. And, he continues to get others to help. In his own words: “It is not going to be an easy task. But then again, nothing truly worth doing is every easy. Your support helps create the right conditions... to make a big intervention for a better world. Your efforts are truly appreciated and we cannot thank you enough.”
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