Philippine Chicken Business Awarded For Continued Support Of Local Olympians

KEY POINTS

Ronald Mascariñas received the Arête Award for his company's efforts in recognizing the Philippines' greatest sporting heroes
Filipino Olympic heroes were granted franchises of BAVI's roasted chicken brand and monthly allowances
Mascariñas says that the award will further inspire him and his company to support the country's athletes

Philippine-based agricultural company Bounty Agro Ventures Incorporated (BAVI), the company behind the chain of roasted chicken stores “Chooks-to-Go,” was recognized for its efforts in celebrating the country’s sporting heroes by receiving the Arête Award.

The Philippine Olympians Association (POA) president Akiko Thompson-Guevara, secretary-general Gerardo Rosario and Filipino sports legend Freddie Webb visited BAVI president Ronald Mascariñas at his home in Laguna, Philippines to present the award.

“Arête” is an ancient Greek term that means excellence, and BAVI has shown that same excellence by honoring the island nation’s Olympic heroes in the form of livelihood packages that include monthly allowances and awarding of Chooks-to-Go stores.

Late Pinoy boxer Leopoldo Serrantes took home the bronze medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and BAVI committed to giving him PHP100,000 ($1,985) every month to help pay for his medical bills and needs before his passing.

Boxing brothers Roel and Mansueto ”Onyok” Velasco were also given their own Chooks-to-Go stores in recognition of their respective bronze and silver medal finishes at the quadrennial games.

The efforts of Teofilo Yldefonso, the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic medalist who took home the bronze in swimming at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, were also recognized by BAVI. His family is given monthly supplies of chicken to be consumed or resold at their leisure.

The latest recipient of BAVI’s efforts for athletic recognition is 2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Marcial, who also received his own Chooks-to-Go store and support in creating a grassroots program in his home province.

"I am truly honored to personally receive the Arête Award on behalf of Bounty Agro Ventures Incorporated. 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,” said Mascariñas.

Mascariñas shared the award with the country’s first-ever gold medalist in weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz.

"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 stated.

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics saw the island nation have its best finish since joining the Olympiad back in 1924.