RAFI board appoints new president

CEBU, Philippines — The Board of Trustees of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) has appointed Dominica “Domi” Chua as the foundation’s president and chief operating officer (COO), effective immediately.

Chua joined RAFI in 1975 and served as its Finance Officer from 1983 to 1994, and became COO in 1995 until her new appointment. Through four decades, she has been involved in the full range of foundation activities and has represented RAFI in numerous civil society and governmental councils.

“I am humbled by the trust that the RAFI Board of Trustees has given to me.  I have to admit that I consider RAFI as my life’s mission, having worked here for more than 40 years now.  We celebrated our 50th anniversary last year, a testimony of our founders’ passion to help the least fortunate in society. As we move towards the next 50 years, I shall continue to serve this organization with even more fervor in order to create happy and liveable communities,” said Chua.

The board’s decision was announced first to the team leaders of RAFI last September 22 by Jon Ramon Aboitiz who took over the leadership of the organization in May of this year. He remains to be chairman of the board of trustees and shall likewise assume the role of chief executive officer (CEO).

“Domi is an exemplary team leader for RAFI who has served with distinction, dedication and passion throughout the years. It is indeed appropriate that she now be appointed as president to continue to excel and carry forward the vision and mission of RAFI. I can only imagine how proud and pleased my grandfather, father and Bobby (Roberto Aboitiz) are about this new development and am sure they are applauding the choice of our new president,” said Aboitiz.

RAFI pursues initiatives towards elevating lives through a comprehensive approach that champions best practices in community development in five focus areas—integrated development, micro-finance and entrepreneurship, culture and heritage, leadership and citizenship, and education. —/JBB (FREEMAN)