Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong, the respected chairman of Sterling Paper Group of Companies, passed away on Friday, August 2, 2024, at the age of 72. As the former President of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), Dr. Lim’s contributions to nation-building are as diverse as they are significant.

Born to Chinese immigrant parents, Henry Lim’s early life was steeped in the values of hard work and perseverance. His father, Lim Seh Leng, arrived in the Philippines at the age of 11, while his mother, Maria Co Chiao Ti Lim, was born in the country. Dr. Lim grew up in Malabon and later moved to Binondo, the heart of Manila’s Chinatown. Despite the challenges of being a first-generation Filipino-Chinese, Lim’s upbringing was rooted in Chinese cultural heritage while embracing the Filipino way of life. His father’s initial small business in bookbinding and photo album manufacturing served as the foundation upon which Dr. Lim would eventually build his own successful career.

Dr. Lim attended high school at La Salle and then pursued higher education at the University of the Philippines (UP), where he studied mechanical engineering. After completing his education, Dr. Lim joined the family business, Sterling Paper Group of Companies. Under his leadership, Sterling Paper expanded its reach and diversified its products, becoming a household name in the Philippines. Dr. Lim’s innovative mindset and dedication to quality helped elevate the company’s status in the competitive market. Particularly passionate about agricultural innovation, Dr. Lim was among those who introduced hybrid rice technology to the Philippines. With the support of Professor Yuan Longping, known as the “Father of Hybrid Rice,” he and his team developed the first Philippine tropical hybrid rice variety, SL-8H.
 

Dr. Lim embarked on a mission to develop a rice variety suited to the Philippine climate. His mother had asked, “Why don't you develop a variety that's climatized to our conditions?” Encouraged by her, he sought advice from agricultural experts, including a professor from China. Dr. Lim needed to acquire a specific 45-hectare property in Laguna known for its isolation and
good water resources. Initially, the property was priced at 25 pesos per square meter, but the owner eventually demanded 250 pesos per square meter. Despite the high cost and the financial crisis of the time, Dr. Lim’s mother urged him, saying, “You need to pay for that piece of property because it’s important.” He liquidated his assets to finance the purchase and the subsequent establishment of
the research center.

Tragedy struck when Dr. Lim’s family van was hit by a container trailer, resulting in the death of his mother, younger brother, and the driver. Dr. Lim survived but with severe injuries. Two months later, on January 17, Dr. Lim’ lead scientist, Professor Yuan, experienced a dream
in which Dr. Lim’s mother instructed him to recheck the rice flowers. Professor Yuan recounted, “I saw Lim’s mother in my dream, and she told me to go out and check the rice flowers again.” The following day, Professor Yuan discovered that the variety had stabilized. Dr. Lim named the first successful variety “SL-8,” with “SL” representing his father’s initials and “8” referring to the plot number where it was stabilized. This variety significantly increased farmers’ yields. He later developed two more varieties, SL-7 and SL-9. The highest quality rice
was named “Doña Maria” in honor of his mother. Dr. Lim explained, “The first variety was SL-8, discovered in plot number 8. Later, I developed SL-7 and SL-9. The highest quality rice, I named Doña Maria after my mother,” explained Dr. Lim in an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle.

For this achievement, he received commendations from the Department of Agriculture and the China National Hybrid Rice Research and Development Center in Hunan, China. Dr. Lim Bon Liong remained a staunch advocate for hybrid rice technology, viewing it as a potential solution to hunger and poverty. This initiative significantly increased rice yields in the country, providing a more sustainable
livelihood for Filipino farmers. “We [Donna Maria] are now harvesting around 1,000 metric tons per hectare,” Dr. Lim proudly stated.
 

Under Dr. Lim’s leadership, the Sterling Paper Group of Companies has flourished into one of the Philippines’ most prominent conglomerates. His influence extended beyond business into philanthropy, where he has made significant contributions as President of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), a strong partner of the Philippine government in nation-building and development. Dr. Lim served as president of FFCCCII from 2019 to 2021. During his term, the FFCCCII
swiftly responded to various national crises, providing relief during natural disasters like earthquakes, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions, as well as during the Marawi siege. The Federation’s network of chapters across the country enabled them to provide swift aid during natural and man-made disasters. During the Marawi siege, Lim personally sent containers of his Doña Maria rice to support the soldiers and civilians affected by the conflict.

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the federation under his guidance, played a crucial role by donating essential supplies, such as safety gear, relief goods, and thermal scanners, to frontliners, hospitals, and communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The FFCCCII’s Operation: Bakuna also supported the government’s vaccination efforts, securing 500,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines.
 

On the other hand, Federation’s Barrio Schools Program, which began in the early 1960s, has aided in the construction og around 6,000 school buildings across the Philippines. “Every day, millions of public school children are being educated by teachers in the schools built by the Federation,” Dr. Lim noted, emphasizing the program’s vast reach and impact. As an entrepreneur, Dr. Lim was dedicated to giving back to the community through his agricultural and business ventures, consistently emphasizing his deep connection to and love for
the Philippines in his work and personal life.
 

Dr. Lim acknowledged the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. He emphasized the importance of diplomacy and collaboration over conflict. “We are not taking any sides at all. We are trying to patch up things as much as possible,” he asserted, demonstrating his commitment to peaceful resolutions and fostering unity. Looking to the future, Dr. Lim envisioned a fully integrated Filipino-Chinese community contributing to the nation’s growth while preserving their cultural heritage. He dreamed of a
prosperous Philippines where the agricultural sector thrives, and the country stands as a model of success. “The ultimate vision is that we should be good neighbors,” Dr. Lim emphasized, reflecting his aspiration for harmonious and mutually beneficial relationships.
 

Dr. Lim embodied the essence of “Dugong Tsino, Pusong Pinoy (Chinese blood, Filipino heart).” His life reflects a seamless integration of his Chinese heritage with his Filipino identity, which allowed him to bridge cultural divides and foster strong ties between the Chinese and
Filipino communities. “We are Chinese by blood but Filipinos by heart,” Dr. Lim said, capturing the dual identity that defines his life and work.