From soldiers on the frontlines to masons and carpenters who laid down the foundations of the country’s infrastructure projects, PeopleAsia’s “Men Who Matter” 2021 awardees shared their recognition with the men and women who make them matter during the magazine’s recently concluded virtual awards night.
Leading this year’s list are two prominent government officials, Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana and Bases Conversion and Development Authority president and CEO Vince Dizon.
Lorenzana, an officer and a diplomat, was honored for his unflinching stand on issues concerning national sovereignty. “This award is the affirmation of the hard work and sacrifices of the defense team, and the appreciation of the stakeholders and the communities we serve,” he said. “Let me therefore share the credit to whom it is due, to our brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and civilian human resources who work day and night to ensure that each of us can sleep soundly and can travel to our work without fear.”
Dizon, on the other hand, was recognized, not just for BCDA’s robust growth, but for the important roles he plays as presidential adviser on flagship programs and projects, and as deputy chief implementer and testing czar of the country’s National Task Force against COVID-19. “Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng mga manggagawang Pilipino na gumawa nitong mga napakagagandang infrastructure projects na ito. Sa mga libu-libo nating karpintero, mason, engineer, architect, designer na nagpapatunay na talagang world-class ang Filipino worker,” he said.
Business leaders who quickly pivoted in the time of the COVID-19 crisis were also recognized, not just for their success in growing the bottom line, but for ensuring the livelihood of their employees and bringing necessary services to the millions of Filipinos who rely on them.
PLDT and Smart president and CEO Al S. Panlilio dedicated his award to mentor and boss, MVP group chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, and his team in the twin telcos. “With the spotlight on me, I would also like to thank all 17,000 employees of PLDT Smart, leaders and staff members for your hard work and malasakit that drives us forward. Our customers, partners and stockholders for believing in us and continuously investing in us, staying loyal to our brand,” he said.
Also recognized as “Men Who Matter” were Sun Life CEO and country head Benedict Sison, whose company ended 2020 with P 39 billion in net premium income; Converge ICT Solutions CEO and founder Dennis Anthony Uy, whose fiber optics network is poised to close 2021 with 1.7 million customers; JC president and CEO Jonathan So, and CFO and co-founder Carlito Macadangdang – the power duo behind such brands as Siomai King, CopperMask and transport provider toktok, among others; and former OFW-turned-president-and-CEO Lorenzo Rellosa, who continues to provide opportunities through his companies, Lueur Lauren International Corp. and Telepreneur Corp.
Rounding up last night’s “Men Who Matter” roster were former BusinessWorld editor-in-chief and veteran journalist Roby Alampay, who continues to bring the important stories as one of the anchors of The Big Story and The Chiefs on TV-5 as well as founder of PumaPublic Productions; and Ang Probinsyano Partylist Rep. Ronnie Ong, who launched a series of bayanihan projects, including the distribution of face masks and alcohol, and #LibrengGulay and #LibrengSakay for displaced residents and commuters in Manila, Taytay, Pasig, Valenzuela and some parts of Batangas.
Speaking from Washington D.C, PeopleAsia publisher, president and CEO (on leave) Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez said, “All the awardees exhibit hard work and determination, each one stepping up to make this world a better place for their fellow Filipinos.”
PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez also added: “Bravo for lifting the country to greater heights by powering change, innovation, solutions and hope in challenging times like these. You matter, not just because you are men, though that is undeniably part of the equation, but because you matter to mankind.”
Aside from recognizing the gentlemen, the event, emceed by Bianca Valerio, was also a virtual and musical fete, wherein Zoom guests feasted on delicious grazing boxes from New World Makati Hotel, as they were treated to exciting song numbers by Elle Jurisprudencia.
PeopleAsia‘s Men who Matter Awards Night was brought to you by Pilipinas Shell , Toyota Motor Philippines, New World Makati Hotel, South Care Cosmetics Manufacturing Inc., Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc. (Mynt) and The Philippine STAR.
To watch the show, click here.
