Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc. (BAVI) President Ronald Mascariñas called for greater civic involvement among local entrepreneurs during his keynote address at the 2019 Halyao Awards in Naga City, November 15.
Vice President Leonor Robredo was among the guests of honor at the event conducted by Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MNCCI) at Villa Caceres Hotel.
In his speech, Mascariñas highlighted the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR), saying it is important to “build a strong country.”
“Kahit pinakamayayamang bansa sa mundo, the government cannot do everything,” he said. “So tayo na nasa private sector, we should look for those gaps. Ano ba ang hindi nagagampanan ng gobyerno na kaya natin?”
Mascariñas noted that his alma mater, the University of the Philippines, developed his patriotic ideals. “Ang sambayanang Pilipino, hindi man nagsasalita, umaasa sa amin [UP alumni]…na pag-asenso namin, sana wag naman silang kalimutan…na bitbitin sila sa pag-asenso.”
He stressed that the business sector should become more proactive in complementing the work of government. “If the business sector in the country would stop complaining and start looking for ways paano makatulong sa ating bayan, then mas mabilis ang ating pag-asenso, mas marami tayong maiaaahon,” he said.
Mascariñas also shared the 22-year journey of BAVI, talking about how it became the largest rotisserie chicken company and part of the second largest poultry integrator in the country. He explained how BAVI’s contract growers — many of whom are small entrepreneurs in remote provinces — are key partners to the company’s success.
Talking about his passion to support national basketball teams, he said he sees it as a way to inspire love of country among ordinary Filipinos. When people see their compatriots excelling on the world stage, he said, then they cultivate greater love for and pride in their country.