Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 13) — Ramon S. Ang, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president and chief executive officer, was honored by the French government with its most prestigious award for the magnate’s contribution to the development of the Philippines-France relationship.
Boccoz thanked Ang “for the role you play as a businessman and as a philanthropist to strengthen those ties between France and the Philippines, and to promote friendship between our two peoples.”
The official also noted the SMC executive’s role in the delivery of French humanitarian aid to Filipinos after Super Typhoon Yolanda ravaged parts of the country in 2013. Ang notably tapped flag carrier Philippine Airlines to fly rescue workers, French doctors, and aid for free.
The Ambassador also highlighted Ang’s efforts in boosting economic ties between the two nations through his group’s infrastructure projects.
“All of you here witnessing this ceremony today are well acquainted with Ramon Ang’s prestigious career and how under his leadership, San Miguel Corporation grew within a decade to become the Philippines’ top group in terms of market capitalization. As a businessman, sir, you highly contributed to the development of business partnership between our two countries,” Boccoz said.
Ang, in his speech, expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“This recognition inspires me and my colleagues in San Miguel Corporation who I proudly share this with to work even harder to deliver a better future for all and uphold the common values that we stand for and live by,” he said.
“Amidst the pandemic, we have remained committed to dedicating our resources to building back better, through initiatives that will help boost our economic growth and improve the lives of many of our countrymen,” added the SMC CEO.
Ang also received the Asia CEO Awards’ Lifetime Contributor Award in 2020 as acknowledgement for SMC delivering one of the biggest private sector response efforts during the pandemic.
Ang said he would pursue massive infrastructure projects, including the completion of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), Skyway Stage 3, the Southern Luzon Expressway (SLEX) Elevated Extension project, and the ongoing MRT-7, to prop up the country’s economic recovery.
Awarded by French Ambassador to the Philippines Michèle Boccoz, Ang received the Legion of Honor, with the rank of Officier (Officer), SMC said in a statement on Wednesday.
