Forbes Magazine honors 4 Filipino philanthropists

MANILA, Philippines - Forbes Magazine has recognized four Filipino businessmen in its annual list of “Heroes of Philanthropy” for launching new and innovative projects the past year.

“Our goal is not to rank the biggest givers – the figures would be impossible to collect. Instead we aim to call attention to people and causes,” Forbes Asia editor John Koppisch said.

He also explained that the 48 people in the list give their own money and not their company’s, unless the firms are owned mostly by them.

“We want to focus on the people writing the checks and sketching the broad vision,” Koppisch said in the magazine’s behalf.

Century Pacific Group chairman Ricardo Po  Sr., nicknamed “Mr. Tuna” after his companies’ most popular product, launched CPG-RSPo Foundation in 2010 to help eliminate hunger and improve nutrition.

Forbes said 83-year-old Po, who experienced hunger himself as a child, served three million meals a year to children.

The magazine also named 54-year-old International Container Terminal Services chief executive Enrique Razon Jr., who set out to rehabilitate most devastated areas after Super Typhoon Yolanda last year.

The ports and casino tycoon also contributed to rebuilding Tacloban’s airport and hospital and to delivering relief supplies via ships.

“(Razon) called on port operators from as far as Madagascar to help,” the magazine reported.

Forbes also identified Fila Philippines president Jose Mari Albert who founded Operation Compassion in 2004, building houses for victims of natural disasters in the country.

The Isport Life chairman’s charity is currently building 400 shelters and providing bathing rooms, latrines and areas for planting food.

Motel chain “king” Angelo King, 87, who has been diversifying his businesses and gradually transforming Valentine’s Day-driven motels to real hotels, was also named among the philanthropy “heroes” for generously pouring cash into his eponymous foundation.

After passing on Victoria Court and Anito Hotel businesses to his brothers, King now devotes himself to education, culture, health and faith.

“Last year the foundation’s donations totaled $515,000 – the interest on the amount in its capital fund,” Forbes said.