TOFIL (The Outstanding Filipino) awardee Ramon Ang, president and CEO of San Miguel Corp., has exhorted every Filipino to contribute to the vision of a better Philippines.
Ang made the call in his acceptance speech delivered by his son, Jomar, during the awarding ceremony at the historic Manila Hotel recently.
“As citizens, each of us can contribute greatly to the vision of a better Philippines. It can be as simple as following traffic rules or keeping our neighborhoods clean. It is also about practicing the good values we were taught as children, and passing them on to the next generation,” he said.
“Do what is right. Give your best. Be accountable. Be a good neighbor. Serve a greater purpose. Be kind and humble. These are the same values we live by in San Miguel,” Ang added.
In his speech, Ang shared how San Miguel Corp. diversified and expanded to what it is today, contributing to more than 5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.
From a beer, food and packaging company, SMC has transformed into a conglomerate with interests in power generation, oil and petrochemicals, infrastructure, cement manufacturing, and banking.
SMC’s infrastructure projects cover expressways, mass rail, ports, and airports. It is building the Manila International Airport in Bulacan that will not only decongest traffic in Metro Manila but also generate about 30 million jobs and develop nearby provinces of Central Luzon. It is also undertaking the MRT 7 and Skyway Stage 3 projects that will cut travel time for commuters.
According to Ang, SMC is also expanding its food and beverage businesses to produce high quality but affordable food for every Filipino. He also spoke about SMC’s sustainability initiatives and its vision “to deliver on our nation’s goals, to set the pace for progress, and make the lives of every Filipino better.”
Aside from Ang, the other awardees are Dr. Glenn Banaguas (Environment Conservation and Science Diplomacy); Dr. Joselito Chavez (Medicine); Dr. Virgilio Malang (Science and Technology); Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal (Government/Public Service); and Dr. Nelly Siababa-Aggangan (Agriculture).
They were chosen from a short list by the Board of Judges chaired by Supreme Court Administrator Justice Jose Midas Marquez. Other members of the Board were TOFIL Foundation Chairman JCI Sen. Rogelio Garcia, JCISP President Domingo Roque Jr.; 2010 TOFIL Awardee Shirley Halili Cruz; and PCCI Chairman Emeritus Dr. Francis Chua.
Each of the TOFIL awardees was presented with a trophy crafted by National Artist Napoleon Abueva, a medallion and a plaque of recognition.
The Outstanding Filipino Awards is a project of the JCI Senate Philippines. It was conceived in 1988 and now has in its roster 153 awardees.