RAFI Triennial Awards now open

CEBU, Philippines - Taking inspiration from CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida, organizers of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. Triennial Awards is encouraging the public to nominate individuals and institutions that have affected change and hope among the community’s less-privileged.

“While all is not well, and despite the apathy and indifference of some people, we have lots of good work taking place in our country. This search intends to find the men and women who work for others, those who work quietly but with great conviction,” said RAFI President Ramon E. Aboitiz.

“Take the case of Efren Peñaflorida, a 29-year-old pushcart educator who started his work with street children many years ago. He has recently been the recipient of CNN Hero of the Year award. These special people are all around us! We plan to discover them,” Aboitiz added.

Now on its fifth year, the RAFI Triennial Awards was established to recognize individuals and institutions who have committed themselves to building a more humane, equitable and caring society.

It also aims to encourage individuals and institutions that work to bring about hope and change to better the lives of the less privileged, something that reflects the philanthropic, humanitarian, and holistic ideals of Don Ramon and Eduardo Aboitiz.

The awards are given in two categories - the Ramon Aboitiz Award for Exemplary Individual and the Eduardo Aboitiz Award for Outstanding Institution.

The individual category is open to all Filipinos, natural born or naturalized citizen, at least 30 years of age, and of good moral character. The award-giving body also takes serious consideration on the nominee’s dedication to his/her profession or vocation that has made significant contributions to the advancement of the well-being of his/her fellow Filipinos.

Meanwhile, government organizations, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, and other private institutions can be nominated for the outstanding institution award.

The nominated group should be working for the past three years with functional programs and services and links with other groups in coming up with a comprehensive and responsible development initiatives.

Winners of the two awards will receive a cash prize and trophy. The search is limited to those residing or based in Visayas and Mindanao. Previous nominees can be nominated again, but self-nomination is not encouraged.

Nominating parties need to fill out the official nomination form available at the RAFI office located at 35 Lopez Jaena Street. Interested parties may also call (032) 418-7234 local 504 or check the RAFI website — www.rafi.org.ph. — Johanna T. Natavio/JMO (THE FREEMAN)