Henry Lim Bon Liong, Father of Philippines Hybrid Rice, 72

MANILA, Philippines — Former Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) president Henry Lim Bon Liong passed away last Friday at the age of 72.

Lim is chairman of the Sterling Paper Group of Companies, which is engaged in various businesses like paper products, school and office supplies, real estate and agribusiness.

It was under his leadership when the company expanded into agribusiness through the incorporation of SL Agritech Corp., for the purpose of promoting the development, commercialization and growth of hybrid rice technology.

FFCCCII president Cecilio Pedro said Lim’s passing is a profound loss not only to the community and the business sector but to the whole country.

“Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong was an exemplary philanthropist, a respected business and civic leader, the ‘Father of Philippine Hybrid Rice’ and a dynamic advocate for Philippine agriculture,” he said.

Pedro said Lim’s efforts to achieve Philippine rice self-sufficiency by pioneering hybrid rice technology from China have benefitted millions of Filipino farmers.

“His commitment to this noble cause was driven by his unwavering belief in the potential of Filipino ingenuity and the importance of self-reliance,” Pedro said.

Lim also played a pivotal role in fostering closer ties between the Philippines and China.

He acted as an intermediary for the Philippine government in receiving the first delivery and donation of one million anti-COVID vaccines from the Chinese government.

Pedro said Lim also played an instrumental role as Filipino-Chinese Community Calamity Fund chairman.

Under Lim’s guidance, the fund raised over half a billion pesos in medical supplies and relief goods during the pandemic and other calamities like typhoons and the Taal Volcano disturbances.

Lim graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in mechanical engineering and from Harvard Business School.

“His contributions to our community, to the business sector and to the Philippines will never be forgotten,” Pedro said.

Lim’s wake will be held at the Sanctuarium in Quezon City from Aug. 5 to 11, while cremation is set on Aug.12.