Officially launched last November 17, 2007 the 4th Triennial Awards of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) is now open for nominations.

Given in two categories: the Ramon Aboitiz Award for Exemplary Individual and the Eduardo Aboitiz Award for Outstanding Institution, the Triennial Awards recognize the exemplary work of individuals and institutions that effect positive change and bring hope to the lives of the less-privileged.

The Ramon Aboitiz Award is open to all Filipinos, natural born or naturalized citizen, at least 30 years of age and of good moral character whose dedication to his profession or vocation has made significant contributions to the advancement of the well-being of his fellow Filipinos.

The Eduardo Aboitiz Award for Outstanding institution is open to all institutions or organizations established for at least 3 years with functional program(s) and services and have built dedicated partnerships with other groups in bringing about comprehensive and responsible development.

Nominated parties will undergo an extensive screening process with the members of the Search Committee evaluating and shortlisting the nominees. John Joseph Mercado, Chief Executive Officer of Bigfoot Global Solutions, chairs the 4th Triennial Awards Search Committee, with members from the academe, business,media, and civil society. With him are Fr. Carmelo O. Diola, the founder of Friends of Pedro Foundation, and coordinator of Barug! Pilipino and Dilaab Movement; Prof. Margarita Dela Cruz, professor at UP Tacloban College and Founder and Executive Director of Guiuan Development Foundation, Inc. in Samar; Tina Dumlao, journalist and desk editor of Philippine Daily Inquirer; and Fr. Roderick C. Salazar, Jr., President, San Carlos University.

The Triennial Awards is RAFI ’s expression of its belief in the promise of life - made possible through the selfless service of individuals and institutions.

The deadline for nominations is on March 20, 2008. For more information, call the Triennials Secretariat at (032) 255-5626/27or fax to (032) 254-6489. Online nominations are also available, visit www.rafi.org.ph/triennials.