FROM THE MARGINS
An exemplary philanthropist-businessman and six young brilliant entrepreneurs were honored in this year’s Ramon V. del Rosario (RVR) Awards for having exemplified outstanding corporate citizenship and a fervent commitment to nation-building across various industries.
The awarding ceremony, held on August 20 at the Rockwell Events Hall in Makati City, is a joint initiative of PHINMA, Junior Chamber International-Manila (formerly Manila Jaycees, Inc.), De La Salle University RVR College of Business, and Asian Institute of Management RVR Center for Corporate Responsibility. Traditionally held every July 25th to commemorate former Ambassador del Rosario’s birthday, this year’s awarding ceremony was deferred to pave the way for PHINMA’s disaster response and relief operations to help the victims of Super Typhoon Carina.
The RVR Awards honor business icons demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit, national or global impact, corporate citizenship, and social responsibility.
Award for nation-building
Since its inception in 2009, the RVR Award for Nation-Building pays tribute to visionary business leader and former Ambassador del Rosario, whose legacy shaped modern industries in the Philippines. The award honors trailblazers who exemplify exceptional corporate citizenship and deep-seated commitment to nation-building.
This year’s RVR Awardee for Nation-Building is businessman, philanthropist, peace negotiator, and former Ambassador to the Holy See, Howard Q. Dee — a man I admire very much. He was 93, a paragon of virtue who dedicated his life to social justice and development, peace, and helping the marginalized. He was an exemplar of moral leadership and social responsibility.
Ambassador Dee’s legacy is enshrined in the many institutions he co-founded, among them the Philippine Business for Social Progress, the Assisi Development Foundation, the Philippine Development Assistance Program, and ASA Philippines. He exemplified the essence of servant leadership in his work with NGOs, like Tabang Mindanao and Caritas-Manila. His extraordinary contributions had been previously recognized, when he was bestowed the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018. He touched countless lives and communities. Sadly, he passed away a day after receiving the RVR awards. He will be sorely missed.
Siklab award
The Siklab Award recognizes promising entrepreneurs’ positive impact on communities and industries through their businesses or social enterprises. From over 100 nominations, five individuals were chosen for their profound passion for social change through entrepreneurship:
- Ariestelo Asilo is the co-founder and CEO of Varacco Inc. and the President of ThinnkFarm, which help local farmers use technology to boost production amidst problems posed by climate change and outdated farming practices. His companies provide livelihood to 400 coffee farmers in Cavite and Mindanao. Varacco was recognized in 2021 as one of the 50 Best Small Businesses for the United Nations’ “Good Food for All.”
- Victor Mari Baguilat, Jr. is the founder, CEO and Creative Director of Kandama Social Enterprise, which empowers indigenous Ifugao women weavers by connecting their traditional hand-loomed fabrics to the global market. Kandama has been featured in fashion events in New York, Paris, Melbourne, and Hong Kong – providing sustainable livelihood while preserving the Ifugao’s precious weaving tradition.
- Rafael Ignacio Dionisio is the co-founder and president of Make A Difference (MAD) Travel, which partners with the Aeta community to build forests of native fruit trees in Zambales. The company supported local farmers and entrepreneurs during the epidemic, and continues to create fulfilling travel experiences that enable communities to develop sustainable products.
- Ann Adeline Dumaliang is the co-founder and managing trustee of the Masungi Georeserve, which combines conservation, eco-tourism, education, and community engagement in the preservation of this forest area that is home to over 500 species. They have planted 100,000 native trees and established ranger stations to protect the watershed that benefits millions of Filipinos.
- Avin Ong is the founder and CEO of the Fredley Group of Companies, the food and beverage company behind brands like Macao Imperial Tea and Nabe. From humble beginnings, Ong built a billion-peso empire of more than 260 restaurants and 3,000 employees while adopting inclusive hiring practices for differently-abled people.
May these young entrepreneurs inspire others to also protect the environment, help communities and facilitate social development in their business ventures.
Business as a force for good
PHINMA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ramon del Rosario, Jr. challenged the RVR Awardees to share their stories to create more impact.
“Our awardees will do this nation an even greater service by telling your stories especially to our young idealistic youth who day-in and day-out are bombarded by negative information giving them less and less reason to be hopeful. We will fill that void with your stories of entrepreneurial peace-building, agriculture and tourism innovation, cultural preservation, environment protection and inclusive growth,” said Mr. Del Rosario, Jr.
I agree. Let us join efforts to champion business as a force for good by supporting social businesses, especially startups by young people, which drive prosperity and socio-economic development in local communities and the marginalized sectors.
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“Keep the faith. It is everything.” — Howard Dee
(Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip is a poverty eradication advocate. He is the founder of the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually-Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI).)