Ramon Ang, Legion of Honor recipient
Among Filipino industrialists and philanthropists, one cannot escape noticing Ramon Ang, the suave, humble, cerebral, humorous, generous and sharp president and chief executive officer of San Miguel Corporation.
He always captivates an audience with his expertise and creativity in navigating a business enterprise and pioneering enterprising technologies. His narratives on many aspects of life, punctuated with funny anecdotes and commonsensical approach on knotty social and political issues, keep the listener riveted as he speaks.
The self-made billionaire, who is also known by his initials RSA, a Mechanical Engineering graduate at the Far Eastern University, started out fixing and selling used Japanese cars and truck engines and branching out to selling aluminum wheels. Hardworking and headstrong, using his innate business genius, he rose to become one of the wealthiest Filipinos as listed by Forbes. He is a passionate car enthusiast and collector of a fleet of pricey and beautiful vintage cars, and he finds time to drive them whenever he can.
Unknown to many, low salaried government employees are regular beneficiaries of his generosity, not to mention his financial contributions to worthy causes.
His reputation for good deeds and industrial brilliance precedes him. He has received awards and recognition for his business acumen and for being a powerful force for good.
It will be recalled that in 2020, San Miguel Corporation, under Ang’s leadership, launched a gigantic private initiative as a response to the pandemic, donating medical supplies, personal protective equipment, testing equipment, food and various financial assistance to the medical frontliners and other informal workers who were severely affected, valued at more than P14 billion. As a consequence of this monumental humanitarian aid, RSA received Asia CEO Awards’ Lifetime Contributor Award.
The distinctions RSA has been given are not confined to our homeland; they have crossed beyond its frontiers. The French government bestowed him the highest and most prestigious distinction given to individuals for distinguished and eminent service, the Legion of Honor.
The Legion of Honor is the highest decoration in France and is divided into five degrees: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer) and Grand Croix (Grand Cross).
Ramon Ang was given the Legion of Honor with the rank of Officier (Officer) in recognition of his contributions to strengthening the relations between the Philippines and France.
French Ambassador Michele Boccoz paid tribute to RSA for promoting friendship between the two countries, thereby strengthening the ties that bind the two nations. The French Ambassador particularly referred to Ang’s facilitating the humanitarian aid by France to the Philippines.
Ambassador Boccoz recalled that it was RSA, then the president and chief operating officer of Philippine Airlines (PAL), who made possible the transport of aid from France to the Philippines following the aftermath of typhoon “Haiyan” (typhoon “Yolanda”) in 2013.
RSA’s role in establishing a long-term partnership between
Airbus and PAL when the latter commenced a fleet renewal program under the former’s stewardship was also mentioned. Among other initiatives of RSA in boosting the economy, the French Ambassador cited his efforts in bringing French expertise to major infrastructure projects in the country.
In accepting the prestigious award, the business tycoon stated: “This recognition inspires me and my colleagues in San Miguel Corporation — who I proudly share this with — to work even harder to deliver a better future for all and uphold the common values that we stand for and live by.”
“Amid the pandemic, we have remained committed to dedicating our resources to building back better, through initiatives that will help boost our economic growth and improve the lives of many of our countrymen.”
“We also believe that pursuing sustainability is essential to achieving this. While we continue to do our part, we know we cannot do it alone. A successful development agenda requires collaboration across borders and among governments, businesses and civil society — one that is built upon our shared goals for both our people and our environment.”
That the Legion of Honor is coming from a foreign country is certainly a lifetime badge of honor for the honoree. As an awardee, Ramon Ang undoubtedly brings honor and prestige not only to the Philippines, but to all Filipinos as well.
Per our research on the nature of the Legion of Honor of France, its membership is restricted to French nationals. However, foreign nationals who have served France or the ideals it upholds may receive it, and such conferment makes the recipient a member thereof, given that the same requirements are imposed on foreign nationals.
Very few Filipinos have been given the French Legion of Honor, among them four former Presidents of the Philippines, namely, Manuel L. Quezon, Elpidio Quirino, Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos.
Ramon Ang absolutely does us proud.
Congratulations RSA!
“His reputation for good deeds and industrial brilliance precedes him.
“The French Ambassador cited his efforts in bringing French expertise to major infrastructure projects in the country.