Forbes Asia cites Razon, Po, King, Albert as notable Pinoy philanthropists 

A port magnate, a former owner of a hotel/motel chain, a canned tuna company founder and a sports apparel distributor – all Filipinos – are among the 48 most notable philanthropists named by Forbes Asia in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

Now in its eighth year, Forbes Asia said the "list pays tribute to these leading givers, four each from 12 markets across the Asia-Pacific region."

 

The magazine said the honorees ranged from "billionaires with expansive visions of how best to help society to less well-known business people whose generosity is also leaving a huge mark." 

 

Enrique Razon Jr., chairman and CEO of International Container Terminal Services Inc., was among the four Filipino businessmen that landed a spot in Forbes Asia list.

 

The magazine said Razon's charity work included the rehabilitation of areas hit hardest by Typhoon Haiyan or Yolanda.

 

"Charity work included rebuilding Tacloban’s airport and moving relief supplies through the seaport," it said, noting the port magnate called on port operators from as far as Madagascar to help.

 

"His companies also put up $5.7 million for a hospital building. His ICTSI Foundation is repairing five day-care centers in storm-wracked Samar Province," it added, noting that the foundation normally donates to public schools and poor neighborhoods near its seven Philippine ports.

 

Also on the list is Ricardo S. Po Sr., founder and chairman of Century Pacific Group. The company is responsible for the popular canned tuna brand Century Tuna back in 1978, which earned him the nickname “Mr. Tuna.” 

 

He put up the CPG-RSPo Foundation in 2010 with the aim of improving nutrition and alleviating hunger by working with a network of partners. It serves up to 3 million meals a year to schoolchildren.

 

“God has been so kind to me that I feel compelled to give back in my own way by helping hungry children,” Forbes Asia quoted Po as saying.

 

The magazine also cited Angelo King, owner of the former Anito Hotel chains and now chairman emeritus of a foundation of his namesake. 

 

He started Angelo King Foundation in 1978 and focused on it after retiring from the hotel business in 1999

 

The magazine noted his foundation "Works with other organizations to address educational, cultural, health care and spiritual needs," with donations totaling $515,000 in 2013.

 

Rounding out the four Filipino philanthropists is Jose Mari Albert, chairman of Isport Life, the operator of Italian sports brand Fila in the Philippines.

 

Albert founded Operation Compassion in 2004, which supplies housing after natural disasters, such as the recent Typhoon Yolanda, Forbes Asia said.

 

The magazine also noted Albert funds the charity with personal contributions and donations from his privately held company, which is now helping build 400 shelters in devastated areas and developing temporary communities by adding latrines, bathing rooms, wells and areas for planting food.

 

Operation Compassion also offers trauma counseling and feeding programs, it added.

 

Other well-known businessmen on the list include chairman of global casino resort chain Crown Resorts James Packer of Australia, AirAsia Group CEO Anthony Fernandes of Malaysia, and co-founder of Duty Free Shopping Robert W. Miller of Hong Kong. – Danessa O. Rivera/VS, GMA News