by Stephen J Pedroza
Do you know anyone from your community who is worthy to be called a hero?
The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI), in collaboration with Xavier Science Foundation (XSF), has brought the search for the next RAFI Triennial Awardees to Cagayan de Oro City and the rest of Northern Mindanao.
A forum held at AV8 on May 2 drew together representatives from various non-government organizations (NGOs), government offices, business sector, civic and people’s organizations for the call for nominations of deserving Filipinos who work to uplift the lives of the poor and the marginalized.
RAFI extended the nomination until May 31 this year to gather a varied set of candidates in this part of the country.
“The spirit of this award is to recognize the people who are making change in their communities behind the limelight,” said Roel R Ravanera, executive director of XSF, the partner institution of RAFI serving as a focal organization in Mindanao.
RAFI, a Cebu-based organization, confers the Ramon Aboitiz Award for Exemplary Individual to a commendable person (at least 30 years old) who has poured in selfless efforts and dedication to be a catalyst of change in the lives of the less-privileged in the Visayas and Mindanao.
“This country has a lot of heroes who are making a difference in the grassroots communities and that is something to be proud of,” said Dr Jocelyn B Gerra, executive director of RAFI- Culture and Heritage. “You can nominate those who really work underground, who are inspiring others and who are our role models.”
On the other hand, the Eduardo Aboitiz Award for the Outstanding Institution honors an organization which has been in existence for at least three years, has an unstained track record and demonstrated integrity, leadership and compassion in its service to the society.
“The nominees don’t necessary have to have an educational degree. We accept stories from all walks of life, stories of passion and love in developing the lives of fellow Filipinos,” Dr Gerra shared, relating the story of the 5th Ramon Aboitiz Awardee for Exemplary Individual, Rene “Tatay Ete” Vendiola who didn’t finish high school but was able to push his environmental advocacies and to build his own forest in Negros Oriental.
Before coming up with a shortlist of nominees, the search committee of RAFI composed of representatives from the academe, media, business chambers and NGOs will conduct an intensive screening process through paper and people trails to validate the candidates’ credentials.
“The screening process usually takes eight months to more than a year because we check their accomplishments intensively. There will be interviews from time to time and we will go to their communities,” Dr Gerra said.
Nominations can still be made even after the deadline. However these will only be included in the next awarding season (in the 7th). Self-nomination is not allowed.
There will be five finalists and a grand winner for each category. Aside from the trophy and the cash prize (nearly half a million pesos), the winners will be given the opportunity to travel across the Visayas and Mindanao to impart their achievements and challenges in their respective fields.
The award-giving body was established on December 6, 1996 during the 30th anniversary of RAFI as a tribute to the philanthropic feats of its founders Don Ramon Aboitiz and his son Don Eduardo Aboitiz.
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You can download the nomination form here: http://www.rafi.org.ph/event/nomination-form/
For Mindanao nominations, submit accomplished forms to Xavier Science Foundation, Inc., Manresa Complex, Fr Masterson Avenue, Upper Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City or send them electronically to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..