Largesse marks SGV founder's birthday

On his 90th birthday, the astute Washington “Wash” SyCip, founder of SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV) & Co., the country’s leading accountancy firm, was conferred the Order of Lakandula (with the rank of Bayani) by His Excellency President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. One of the highest honors our republic can bestow on a Filipino civilian, the award was richly deserved by the man whose philanthropic feats are as unparalleled as his business acumen. By the way, his natal day also coincided with SGV & Co.’s 65th anniversary. A product of the public school system, Wash SyCip proudly witnessed SGV as it donated its resources to finance 90 scholarships under the 1000 Teachers Program (Philippine Business for Education) and the construction of playgrounds in 90 public schools (Synergeia Foundation) and two Silid Pangarap facilities (Aklat, Gabay, Aruga tungo sa Pag-angat at Pag-asa Foundation). Over 600 distinguished guests greeted the 1992 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for International Understanding at his birthday party held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. Prominent well-wishers from both the government and the private sector included Finance secretary Cesar Purisima, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor Amando Tetangco, Jr., US ambassador, His Excellency Harry Thomas, Jr., SGV chairman and managing partner Cirilo Noel, SM Group of Companies chairman and chief executive officer Henry Sy, Jr., JG Summit Holdings, Inc. president and chief operating officer Lance Gokongwei, and Synergeia president and chief executive officer, doctor Nene Guevarra. Many happy returns of the day!