Veteran Philanthropist and Emerging Entrepreneurs Honored at 2024 RVR Awards

Six distinguished individuals were honored at this year's Ramon V. del Rosario (RVR) Awards for their exemplary corporate citizenship and commitment to nation-building across various industries. The ceremony, held at The Fifth at Rockwell, celebrated business leaders who demonstrated that companies can be a force for good, contributing positively to society.

The RVR Awards feature two categories: the Nation Building Award and the Siklab Award. The Nation Building Award pays tribute to PHINMA founder Ambassador Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr.'s legacy of shaping modern Philippine industries by honoring pioneers in various fields. The Siklab Award recognizes emerging entrepreneurs making a significant impact on their communities and industries through innovative businesses or social enterprises.

The awards are a collaborative effort between PHINMA, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Manila, De La Salle University RVR College of Business, and the Asian Institute of Management RVR Center for Corporate Responsibility. Traditionally held on July 25 to commemorate Mr. del Rosario, Sr.'s birth anniversary, this year's ceremony was postponed due to PHINMA’s disaster relief efforts following Super Typhoon Carina.

Ramon V. del Rosario Nation Building Award 2024

Ambassador Howard Q. Dee, a philanthropist and advocate for social development and peace, was honored with the Nation Building Award. Mr. Dee's contributions include playing a pivotal role in peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and helping broker the 2001 Tripoli Agreement. He also co-founded ASA Philippines and the Assisi Development Foundation, both dedicated to eradicating poverty and promoting social justice.

His work has transformed countless lives both in the Philippines and abroad, making him a prime example of how patriotic duty and a commitment to peace can drive positive societal change. The RVR Nation-Building Award recognizes individuals who exemplify entrepreneurial spirit, national or global impact, corporate citizenship, and social responsibility. JCI Manila, whose founding president was Mr. del Rosario, Sr., celebrates 60 years of driving positive change through this award.

Ramon V. del Rosario Siklab Award 2024

Several individuals were recognized with the Siklab Award for their passion for entrepreneurship and social change:

Ariestelo A. Asilo, Co-founder and CEO of Varacco Inc. and ThinnkFarm, was honored for providing livelihoods to 400 coffee farmers in Cavite and Mindanao. His leadership helped Varacco earn recognition as one of the UN's 50 Best Small Businesses for promoting good food for all.


Victor Mari C. Baguilat, Jr., Founder and CEO of Kandama Social Enterprise, empowers Ifugao women weavers by bringing their traditional fabrics to the global stage. Kandama has been showcased at fashion events in New York, Paris, Melbourne, and Hong Kong, providing sustainable livelihoods while preserving indigenous weaving traditions.


Rafael Ignacio S. Dionisio, Co-founder and President of MAD Travel, partners with the Aeta community to restore forests in Zambales. Through MAD Travel, he has developed sustainable tourism experiences that support local entrepreneurs and farmers.


Ann Adeline G. Dumaliang, Co-founder of Masungi Georeserve, has combined conservation, eco-tourism, and education to protect over 500 species and plant 100,000 native trees in Masungi's conservation area. Her efforts have made a significant impact on environmental protection and watershed conservation.


Alvin C. Ong, Founder and CEO of Fredley Group of Companies, was recognized for building a billion-peso food and beverage empire while embracing inclusive hiring practices for differently-abled individuals.
Business as a Force for Good

PHINMA Chairman and CEO Ramon R. del Rosario, Jr. emphasized that the awardees’ stories exemplify the power of business to create positive change. He stressed the importance of sharing these success stories, particularly with the younger generation, to inspire hope and encourage entrepreneurial innovation in peace-building, agriculture, tourism, cultural preservation, and inclusive growth.

These inspiring stories may also serve as case studies for the newly launched PHINMA-DLSU Center for Business and Society, which aims to instill in students the belief that business can be a powerful tool for socioeconomic development.

For more details, visit the Ramon V. del Rosario Awards Digital Museum at rvrawards.org.