Cigarette tycoon Wong Chu King, founder of La Campana Fabrica de Tabacos, passed away in 1987 but his legacy very much lives on.
Wong Chu King, a migrant from Amoy, China, put up the country’s first post-war cigarette company, La Campana which later grew to become Mighty Corp. He built a cigarette empire from scratch through perseverance and hard work. But it was not all business. He believed in the role of businesses in transforming society.
To continue Wong Chu King’s legacy of transformation through charity — a life principle espoused by Wong Chu King himself being a humble immigrant — the Wong Chu King Foundation Inc. (WCKFI) was established.
It has been involved in educational and apostolic charities, primarily in areas in the Philippines where tobacco farming is prevalent.
Its latest project is togging up the beloved Lady of Piat (Pagbibihis kay Our Lady of Piat) , one of the most venerated Marian icons in the Philippines.
For this year, the Foundation glorified Her Marian image with fine garment predominantly blue with accent of golden yellow that exudes charm rightfully befitting Her passionate heart.
The image of the Blessed Lady is enthroned at the Sanctuario de Nuestra de Piat, Cagayan where local faithful and pilgrims celebrate Her feast with blissful activities every year.