■ RAFI HAS NEW PRESIDENT, CHAIRMAN

Jon Ramon Aboitiz is the new president and chairman of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (Rafi) following the reorganization and appointment of new officers to the Board of Trustees after the death of Roberto Aboitiz last month. Jon Ramon, Roberto’s younger brother, brings with him decades of experience in implementing various social development initiatives in the country, having served as president of the Aboitiz Foundation Inc. from 2009 to 2014. He also serves as a trustee of the Philippine Business for Social Progress. “I am honored to be given this opportunity to lead the entire Rafi organization in paddling our oars, our busay, to keep the legacy of Ramon Aboitiz alive,” he said.

The Board of Trustees of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) announces the reorganization and appointment of new officers to the Board.

The reorganized Board now comprises: Jon Ramon Aboitiz as president and chairman; Mikel Alberto Aboitiz, vice president; and Ma. Cristina “Marian” Aboitiz, board member

Jon Ramon, currently RAFI vice president, brings with him decades of experience in implementing various social development initiatives in the country, having served as president of the Aboitiz Foundation Inc. from 2009 to 2014. He also serves as trustee of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).

“I am honored to be given this opportunity to lead the entire RAFI organization in paddling our oars, our bugsay, to keep the legacy of Ramon Aboitiz alive. It is a legacy of caring, sharing and serving that goes back a century ago, and which we will take further in pursuit of our mission of touching people and shaping the future,” Jon Ramon said.

Jon Ramon replaced his younger brother, Roberto Aboitiz, who passed away in April 2017. Ma. Cristina, spouse of Roberto, is a member of the RAFI Executive Committee and chairperson of the Dolores Aboitiz Children’s Fund Executive Committee.

Mikel, youngest brother of Jon Ramon and Roberto, served as president and chief executive officer of City Savings Bank from 2001 to 2014, aside from being an executive of various Aboitiz companies. He also sits as member of RAFI’s executive committee.

Now on its 50th year, RAFI pursues initiatives toward elevating lives through a comprehensive approach that champions best practices in community development in five focus areas: integrated development, micro-finance and entrepreneurship, culture and heritage, leadership and citizenship, and education. /