Aboitiz Foundation holds Triennial Awards Xchange Series

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The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. conducted the Triennial Awards Xchange Series intended to present the awardees and or finalists through a forum and or learning visit in their respective areas of engagement as well as to promote the awards program in other areas outside of Cebu.

Said first Xchange Series happened last March 29 to 31 and featured the work of Ms. Margarita "Marge" dela Cruz and Lihok Filipina Foundation. Ms. Dela Cruz is a marine biologist and professor at the UP-Visayas, Tacloban college who is doing coastal resource protection and conservation in Eastern Samar. While Lihok Pilipina is a well-known non-government organization in Cebu that has pioneered the work on women and children's rights and advocacy.

Youth of the Young Minds Academy, a program of RAFI on youth empowerment and citizenship, joined the Xchange Series, eyed to be held in various places in the Visayas and Mindanao particularly in the awardees'/finalists' area of operation. The first leg was held in Tacloban City and Guiuan, Samar late last week.

The learning visit covered three full days and included orientations on the various initiatives, programs and projects of one of the finalists, as well as visits in the various project sites and areas of intervention of the finalist including meeting and interaction with the local partners/organizations, project beneficiaries, and stakeholders in the area.

The Xchange Series covered exploration of the Bagonbanua Marine Sanctuary to familiarize with the marine ecosystems, lecture on marine habitats protection and assessment, snorkeling and/or diving, journalizing and sharing session at the Bagonbanua research station. On the second day, the youth scholars of the Young Minds Academy left for Maliwaliw Island to visit a mud crab ranch. They had a lecture on the establishment and management of the mud crab ranch. Then, they left for Guiuan to visit the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources giant clams and abalone hatchery and training center. Site visits also included the weather station in the area, the Comverse Seaweed Farm and a saltwater lake. The group engaged in socialization at the Calicoan surf camp at the end of the day.

On March 31, a forum took place at the UP—Visayas Tacloban College Faculty Conference Room. The program included presentations and interaction with awardees/finalists.

Participants were asked to make a journal of the trip to document his/her experiences and the learning, lessons or insights that they have acquired during their site visits and their interactions/discussions with the resource speakers, hosts and counterparts. Participants were also asked to share their learning with at least 75 people upon their return.

Anthony "Anton" Dignadice, program officer, explained that the Xchange Series aims to promote the selfless deeds and continuing ministry of the awardees and finalists. Recognizing the vast pool of talent and leaders in our midst, the program intends to share the inspiring stories and work of the awardees/finalists through fora, round-table discussion, kapihan, press conferences, and cross visits. Through these series of knowledge and learning exchange, the program aims to provide a venue to impart and promote the awardees'/finalists' experiences and best practices to various stakeholders in the geographic areas where they serve as well as in other areas in the Visayas and Mindanao. Also, to link, establish and develop partnerships in exploring and providing alternative ways or modes to promote and expand the impact of the program through the work and ministries of the Triennial awardees and finalists.

RAFI Triennial Awards for the Visayas and Mindanao was launched during the Foundation's 30th anniversary celebration in December 6, 1996, in commemoration of Don Ramon Aboitiz and his son, Don Eduardo, whose efforts have now expanded from that of traditional philanthropy into democracy-based and people-oriented endeavors.

The Triennial Awards, conferred every three years, was established to give recognition to individuals and institutions who committed themselves to building a more humane, equitable and caring society. The program honors the men and women, who through their efforts to bring about change to better the lives of the less-privileged, reflect the philanthropic, humanitarian and holistic ideals and values of Don Ramon Aboitiz and Don Eduardo Aboitiz.

The 10 awardees/finalists of the 3rd Triennial Awards are Mayor Ramon Piang, Sr, of Upi, Maguindanao who was given the Exemplary Individual Award, while Lihok Pilipina - a women's NGO based in Cebu City - won the Outstanding Institution title. The other finalists for the individual category are Hadja Bainon Karon of Kabunsuan, Cotabato City; Margarita "Marge" dela Cruz of Guiuan, Eastern Samar; Domingo Tadena of Toril, Davao City; and Fr. Roberto Layson, OMI of Pikit, North Cotabato. As for the institution category, the other finalists include Maharlika Charity Foundation, Inc. of Davao City; Mahintana Foundation, Inc. in Polomolok, South Cotabato; Save Mindanao Volunteers, Inc. in Butuan City; and Brokenshire Integrated Health Ministries, Inc. also in Davao City.

The 10 awardees/finalists represented diverse areas of engagement in responding to the challenges facing our society. They help fight environmental destruction, poverty, disease, discrimination, violence, and war despite their limited resources and shortcomings. Former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. said during the awards ceremony: "They are the dynamic leaders who reach out to others in need…the change-agents in their communities. But much of their work goes unnoticed. The world has the right to know…because their virtuous life, their quiet figures and silent ways, the heroic enterprises that have served as vehicles for action have been woven forever into the tissue of our common history. Out of this fabric of human experience we can create a glorious future…"

This is the essence of the Triennial Awards - to proclaim the good in humanity through the stories of these unsung heroes. "Through the search, we hope to capture stories of exemplary services in the community throughout the geographic regions of the Visayas and Mindanao. We are documenting their experiences and programs in the hope that they will inspire others - most especially the youth - to follow," says Roberto Aboitiz, RAFI president.