HUMANITARIAN AWARDS LAUNCHED

Hong Kong businessman David Harirela recently launched in the country a humanitarian award to recognize and support unsung heroes who embody the Rotary motto of “service above self.”

“The One is not just a onetime hero, but someone who wakes up every day and puts others’ lives before their own,” said Harirela, owner of the Hong Kong-based Harirela Group of Companies and avid Rotary International member.

Harirela said he founded The One award to encourage individuals “who strive to improve the well-being of people across the globe, someone determined to help mankind.”

In cooperation with Rotary International District 3450, the award, called The One Philippines (TOP), was launched in Makati City on July 20 and will last from August until January 2018.

The winner of the first TOP will receive a trophy and P1.5 million in cash, while two runners-up will be given P500,000 each. The award money must be used to further their humanitarian cause.

The TOP winner, who will be identified in a gala awards night on a date to be determined next year, will also qualify as semifinalist in The One International Humanitarian Award and get a chance to win again.

Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, founding president of Visayan Forum Foundation Inc., was the first Filipino finalist in The One International, recognized for rescuing and providing shelter to trafficking victims in the Philippines.

Oebanda lauded The One for identifying those who are struggling on the ground.

Nomination forms must be sent to the TOPorganizing committee at Rotary International Zone 7A, 341 Katipunan Road, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, or by email to TOP@theoneintl.org by Jan. 31, 2018.