THE Quezon City Association of Filipino Chinese Businessmen, Inc. (QCAFCBI) inducted its new set of officers for 2022 and celebrated its 33 years of founding anniversary last June 26 at the Novotel in Cubao, Quezon City.
Noteworthy was the presence in the event of three former and new Quezon City mayors – from Brigido ‘Jun’ Simon Jr., Feliciano ‘Sonny’ Belmonte and the newly-re-elected Josefina ‘Joy’ Belmonte. Each one of them was all praises for the role the QCAFCBI plays in the development of Quezon City and in the fight against the global pandemic, the Covid-19 virus.
Other Quezon City elected officials came to witness the induction of the new set of QCAFCBI officers led by president Joaquin Joson Co and vice president Elaine Chiong.
Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong, president of the Federation of the Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII), inducted the new officers.
Outgoing association president Joseph Lim Bon Huan outlined their accomplishments that particularly benefitted the QC government, the community and the QCAFCBI members.
Lim Bon Huan was at the helm of the QCAFCBI from 2018 to this year and boasts of various projects and programs implemented in his tenure.
Meanwhile, incoming president Co vowed to continue the projects and programs started by his predecessor.
The QCAFCBI is a premiere organization of businessmen residing or engaged in various lines of trade and business in Quezon City. It was founded in 1989 with the support of former Mayor Simon. It has promoted local and international commerce, sought opportunities for the expansion of trade and has become a key partner with the city government with the aim of enhancing goodwill and fostering a lasting and healthy business environment for all,”
DRAGON STAR AWARDS
The QCAFCBI aims to honor deserving individuals and non-government organizations of Quezon City. The recognition is known as QC Dragon Star Awards.
This year’s 2nd Dragon Star Awards has focused on the “pandemic heroes,” where their compassionate and courageous efforts have saved and inspired so many lives despite the challenges and health risks posed by the threat of the Covid-19 virus pandemic.” These awards and recognitions were bestowed on individuals and groups. The maiden awarding was given in 2019 but there was a two-year hiatus because of Corona virus lockdown.
This year’s awardees are: Ana Patricia Non for being the first Filipino to lead the establishment of a community pantry; Dr. Glenn S. Angeles for answering the government’s call in setting up temporary quarantine facilities for frontliners; Dr. Hilda Co-Ong for organizing several National Blood Donation Programs that saved countless lives during the pandemic; Kathrina Bianca Macababad for being one of the nurses who saved 35 babies when PGH caught fire; Lou Sabrina Ongkikp for formulating and developing a critical learning continuity plan in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Other honorees are: Dr. Maria Asuncion Silvestre for working behind the scenes with the World Health Organization (WHO), other NGOs; Roy Maceda for organizing “BeSeekLeta for Every Juan;” Salamat Ph Healthcare Heroes, for organizing a volunteer group of seven ladies who support frontliners; Tzu Chi Foundation is an international humanitarian organization whose mission is to relieve the suffering of those in need; FFCCCII is the umbrella organization of Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs bringing together over 170 business and trade associations from all over the Philippines.