After three years of nomination, extensive screening and validation, two winners out of 10 finalists will be honored during the 5th Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Triennial Awards on Mar. 22 at Marco Polo Plaza in Lahug, Cebu City.
The winners will receive a trophy, cash prize of P400,000 and an opportunity to travel in the Visayas and Mindanao to share their expertise to various groups.
The RAFI Triennial Awards is the premier service and humanitarian award in the Visayas and Mindanao that recognizes the philanthropic, humanitarian and holistic efforts of individuals and institutions in enhancing the quality of life of various groups and communities.
Five finalists vied for each of the awards category—the Ramon Aboitiz Award for Exemplary Individual and Eduardo Aboitiz Award for Outstanding Institution. They are Fr. Angelo Buenavides, Prof. Estrella Cantallopez, Apolinario Leyson Sr., Fr. Dennis Tamayo and Rene Vendiola for the individual cateogory, and Agri-Aqua Development Coalition Mindanao Inc., Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation Inc., Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation Inc., SOS Children’s Villages Philippines, and The Great Physician Rehabilitation Foundation for the institution category.
These finalists were selected by an independent search committee composed of representatives from the academe, private sector and civil society, namely, Island Souvenirs president Jonathan Jay Aldeguer, The Freeman and Philippine Star columnist and “Straight from the Sky” host Valeriano “Bobit” Avila, Marcellin Foundation Inc. founder Brother Crispin Betita, University of the Philippines-Tacloban College Dean and Guiuan Development Foundation Inc. founder and executive director Margarita dela Cruz and Mag-uugmad Foundation Inc. executive director Leonardo Moneva.
Dela Cruz, the search committee chairperson, was an individual category finalist for the 3rd RAFI Triennial Awards and a member of the 4th RAFI Triennial Awards search committee.
For more information, contact Cathy Margate at 418-7234 local 105 or visit www.rafi.org.ph or www.facebook.com/rafi.org.ph.