Search for 5th RAFI triennial awardees on

CEBU, Philippines - The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) has launched once again the search for the new batch of group and individuals for the 5th Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Triennial Awards. 

RAFI cultural heritage program executive director Jocelyn Gerra said that the RAFI Triennial Awards was launched on December 6, 1996 during the foundation’s 30th anniversary to remember Don Ramon Aboitiz and his son Don Eduardo Aboitiz whose efforts have expanded from the traditional philanthropy into democracy-based and people-oriented endeavors.   Gerra explained that the award was established to recognize individuals and institutions who have committed themselves to building a more humane, equitable and caring society.

She added that the RAFI Triennial Awards honors those men, women and organizations who, through their efforts to bring about change and better the lives of the less-privileged, reflect the philanthropic, humanitarian and holistic ideals and values of the RAFI founders, Don Ramon Aboitiz and Don Eduardo Aboitiz.

Gerra said the award is given every three years, and this time, they are once again looking for unsung heroes from Visayas and Mindanao to qualify for the two categories—the Ramon Aboitiz Award for Exemplary Individuals and the Eduardo Aboitiz Award for Outstanding Institutions.

According to her, the foundation is accepting nominees from government agencies, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, civil society, academe, business and other sectors.

As to the qualifications of the nominees, RAFI audit head Ermme Veltran said that the exemplary individual awards is open to every Filipino, natural born or naturalized citizen at least 30 years of age, of good records, dedicated to their professions, and has made significant contributions to the advancement of well being of fellow Filipinos.

For the outstanding institution awards, Veltran said that it is open to all organizations established at least three years with functional programs and services and dedicated partnerships with other groups in bringing about comprehensive and responsible development.

Gerra said that nomination is open through filing of the official forms available at any 2GO outlets, or through on-line forms that can be accessed through RAFI’s website at http://www.rafi.org/ph/triennials.html. 

However, he said that they are discouraging self-nomination. —By Dorothy Mae E. Acabo and Sheila Marie Catacutan, Negros Oriental State University interns/WAB   (FREEMAN NEWS)