The entrepreneurial spirit was celebrated and lauded as the Ramon V. del Rosario Siklab Awards, jointly organized by PHINMA and the De La Salle University (DLSU) RVR College of Business, recognized outstanding young business leaders who have made significant contributions to society through their innovative ventures. The prestigious award ceremony took place last 25 July 2023 at The Fifth at Rockwell Events Hall in Makati City.
The 2023 RVR Siklab Awards winners showcased a diverse range of enterprises that have positively impacted communities across various sectors. Among the honorees was Ralph Ray Chua, Chairman of Immuni Global Inc., whose pioneering product, ImmuniPlus, utilizes locally-sourced ingredients from rural and coastal areas, benefiting local farmers. Another recipient, Stephen Co, impressed the judges with his ventures, Nipa Brew Craft Beers, which creates craft beers infused with indigenous flavors, and Worth The Health Foods, dedicated to providing healthier protein alternatives to traditional Filipino meat dishes. Completing the list of exceptional entrepreneurs was Anya Lim, the visionary behind ANTHILL Fabric Gallery, which not only preserves local weaving traditions but also uplifts weaving communities by incorporating these artistic creations into contemporary wear.
“We are quickly seeing the rise of a new crop of business leaders and nation builders, and I believe it is appropriate that we who have the benefit of more experience and knowledge strive to empower this next generation of entrepreneurs to help them reach their full potential. Our hope with the RVR Siklab Awards is that the efforts of these young businessmen and women are given their due credit, allowing them to take pride in what they do and earn the confidence they will need to transform our society for the better,” according to Ramon R. del Rosario Jr., PHINMA Chairman and CEO and RVR Siklab Awards Board of Judges co-chair.
The awarding event saw the presence of esteemed personalities, including Maria Teresa Zeller, Director of PHINMA, Inc., Victor del Rosario, Director of PHINMA Corp., Jose Mari del Rosario, President and CEO of PHINMA Microtel Hotels, Inc. and PHINMA Hospitality, Inc., Miguel del Rosario, President and CEO of Toon City, and Br. Bernard Oca, FSC, President of DLSU and co-chair of the RVR Siklab Awards Board of Judges. Adding to the grandeur were recipients of the Ramon V. del Rosario Award for Nation Building, Ambassador Jesus Tambunting and Senen Bacani, as well as the 2019 Siklab Awardees Melissa Yeung-Yap, JB Tan, and Gary Ayuste.
The RVR Siklab Awards, which made its debut in 2018, commemorates the centennial birth anniversary of the late Ambassador and PHINMA Founder Ramon V. del Rosario, while also celebrating the PHINMA Group’s 60th anniversary. A distinguished figure in business and diplomacy, Ramon V. del Rosario was the first Filipino General Manager of IBM Philippines, the first Filipino Executive Vice-President of Philam Life, and served as ambassador to Canada, Germany, and Japan.
The award’s mission is to honor young entrepreneurs aged between 25 and 40 who exemplify the ideals of its namesake, demonstrating exceptional leadership through sustainable enterprises that empower and uplift communities.
“Many universities now are promoting entrepreneurship because that is a way wherein young people can use their creativity, collaboration, problem-solving (skills), and critical thinking. Some people say that we do not know what the future will give to young people; maybe young people should create their own future. With entrepreneurship as a venue, they will create that future, especially for our country,” said DLSU’s Br. Bernie.
This year’s winners were selected from a pool of 100 candidates, with the judges singling out three standouts. Each honoree received a trophy along with Php 50,000 in cash grants to further support their respective communities and will have access to valuable mentorship opportunities from experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals within the PHINMA network, including past winners of the RVR Award for Nation Building.
The 2023 Ramon V. del Rosario Siklab Awards truly celebrated the spirit of innovation and social responsibility among the younger generation of entrepreneurs, encouraging others to follow in their footsteps and create positive change in society through their endeavors.