Failures inspire TOCA awardee to succeed

CEBU, Philippines - The contractor whose units of heavy equipment in Surigao were set on fire by the rebels is among this year’s The Outstanding Cebuano Awardees (TOCA) in the field of entrepreneurship.

Ronald Yap Elpa has reflected his life to Robert Kiyosaki’s quote which says, “If you failed, that means you’re doing something. If you’re doing something, you have a chance.”

Elpa, 45, is a man with greatest dreams in life. Born and raised in Cebu by his parents, Dionisio and Pilar Elpa. At an early age he was so enthusiastic and actively engaged himself in running the business of their family.

As the years past, he formed his own company – JMC Konstrukt Aggregates Equipment and Designs Inc., a company that made a mark in the industry.

His perseverance was tested at an earlier part of his business. Few months after his house was razed by fire, several units of his heavy equipment in Surigao were also set on fire by the rebels.

“In just one blew and click, everything was gone but I never gave up.  I was tough enough to survive all that has happened. I continued to do business tough and precise,” Elpa said.

The efficient ways that he has mastered proved to be effective as he is now the chairman of the different companies that he has formed.

These are the JMC Konstrukt Aggregates Equipment and Designs Inc. – a land development contractor; Redviper Ventures and Development Corporation – a mining contractor; Universal Assetland Realty Incorporated –  a real estate company that builds mid-high exclusive residences; RJ Ventures and Development Corporation  –  a company engaged in mining activities; G3 Ventures and Development Corporation – a mining contractor and hauler; 4D Ventures and Development Corporation – a mining company; Opon Doks Medical and Diagnostic Center – a diagnostic center, and Red Global Land Incorporated – a property acquisition company.

Armed with determination he has envisioned all his companies to be globally competitive and to be the best in everything they do.  He is currently employing more than a thousand workers in all his companies.

“If you fail, do not be discouraged, try again. When you do well, do not change your ways. Success is not just good luck; it is a combination of hard work, good credit standing, opportunity, readiness and timing. Success will not last if you do not take care of it,” he said.

His professional life is also partnered with socio-civic activities.  He gives out to typhoon, earthquake and other calamity victims.

Recently, he was invited to be part of the Mandaue City Peace Coordinating Council.

“Successful people keep taking action, they encounter challenges and problems in life, but they don’t quit,” added Elpa

Other awardees are Luis Asierto Jr. in the field of poverty alleviation, Dr. Peter Aznar in the field of medicine, Dr. Chrisler Cabarrubias in the field of environment, Engr. Pablo Cabatingan in the field of engineering, Dr. Jonathan Maglasang in the field of education, Franklin Ong in the field of public service, Atty. Michael Rama in the field of government service, and Engr. Jorge Ybañez in the field of management.

Now on its 17th year, TOCA Executive Director Engr. Greg Senining, said the award aims to honor outstanding Cebuanos on their contributions in the community and in nation building. The award categories are extended to Cebuanos who excel in their own fields of endeavor.

The awarding ceremony will be the highlight of the 35th anniversary of  dyCM’s “Tingog Sa Lungsod Program” on August 19, 2017 at 7 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Center, Cebu City. (FREEMAN)