THE Philippine Olympians Association (POA) has feted Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc. (BAVI), the company that owns Chooks-to-Go, for the help and support the latter extended to present and past Olympians.
POA President Akiko Thomson-Guevarra, secretary-general Ral Rosario, and advisor Freddie Webb personally handed over the award to BAVI President Ronald Mascariñas in the latter’s residence in Calauan, Laguna.
“We are blessed that the three of us got here because this is an opportunity for us to know Sir Ronald and personally extend him our appreciation for his efforts,” said Mr. Webb, a member of the national basketball team that competed in the 1972 Munich Games.
“It’s common to see support for Olympians at the peak of their careers but the company just quietly stepped in and provided a means of livelihood for these sports heroes past their glory days,” said Ms. Thomson-Guevarra, who swam for the country in the 1988, 1992 and 1996 editions of the Olympics.
Some of BAVI’s past beneficiaries were boxers Leopoldo Serrantes, Roel and Onyok Velasco, and swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso.
“I am truly honored to personally receive the Arête Award on behalf of Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc,” said Mr. Mascariñas, who together with Hidilyn F. Diaz, won the award this year. “They traveled all the way to my farm in Laguna to physically hand over the award to me. I am humbled and grateful for this gracious act.
“At BAVI, we invest in our country and in our people. And we believe in the power of sports. The Arête Award will inspire us to work even harder to achieve our vision,” he added.
Among the past recipients of the plum were former president of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Celso Dayrit and bowling legend Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno. — Joey Villar
