APPCU Hall of Fame awardees foster strong ties between the Philippines and China

A JOINT undertaking of the Association for Philippines-China Understanding (APCU) and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Philippines, the Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU) is a prestigious recognition of tireless efforts of Filipino citizens dedicated to fostering amity, friendship, and mutual understanding between the Philippines and China.Launched on January 16, 2021, APPCU was established when Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo jointly attended the inauguration of the Manila Forum for China-Philippines Relations via video link.A number of Filipinos have made efforts to strengthen friendly ties and promote mutual understanding between the Philippines and China, using their respective advocacies and expertise in the various fields and disciplines of mass media and public service, trade and commerce, and arts, culture, and the sciences. They were bestowed the honor as APPCU laureates.The Hall of Fame category acknowledges the prestige and stature of the individual and the immense effort of work the individual has done over time, as evidenced by the extent of reach, impact, and reception of the works by communities and societies.Since 2021, the Hall of Fame awardees have been Former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, Ambassador Francis Chua, Former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, Ambassador Francisco Benedicto, Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, and Ambassador Carlos Chan.This year, two esteemed individuals are honored to be numbered among the previous Hall of Fame awardees.LARRY TAN VILLAREALHall of Fame AwardeeLarry Tan Villareal's journey began in 1935 in Fujian, China. In 1953, at the age of 18, he immigrated to the Philippines, seeking new opportunities and a fresh start. Upon his arrival in the Philippines, he ventured into multiple sectors, including packaging, printing, electricity, finance, and real estate. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found the Dowell Container and Packaging Corporation in 1997, and he became an incorporator of CTBC Bank in 1995.His diverse business portfolio culminated in his current role as the chairman of the Philippine Dowell Group of Companies.However, Larry's impact extends far beyond the business world. In 2004, driven by a desire to give back to society and enhance bilateral relations, he founded the Philippine Soong Ching Ling FoundationAs the founding president, he has been instrumental in organizing a multitude of public welfare activities aimed at improving the lives of Filipinos, particularly women and children.The foundation has celebrated International Women's Day and International Children's Day by extending warmth and support to local communities. Additionally, it has actively engaged in poverty alleviation clinics, childcare initiatives, and the construction of school buildings and houses.Larry's philanthropic efforts are truly remarkable. Over the past 30 years, he has constructed 86 rural schools across the Philippines, providing much-needed educational infrastructure.Recognizing the importance of education, he has also sponsored the education fees of 250 Filipino students (50 students annually) for five consecutive years, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue their dreams.During the Covid-19 pandemic, Villareal's generosity shone brightly. He purchased 2,000 boxes of Lianhua Qingwen, 7,600 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE), and hospital assistance calling devices from China, which he donated to various communities and medical institutions in the Philippines. His timely contributions helped mitigate the impact of the pandemic and provided critical support to those in need.His dedication to fostering mutual understanding between China and the Philippines is evident in his role as a goodwill ambassador for China-Philippine Charity. He has facilitated numerous exchanges and cooperation projects, inviting Chinese delegations to visit the Philippines and initiating over 100 economic and trade cooperation projects.His efforts have significantly strengthened grassroots exchanges and deepened the bond between the two nations.In November 2023, Larry played a pivotal role in the visit of Li Bin, Chairman of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, to the Philippines. This visit included a notable cultural exchange event at Xavier School, which highlighted the rich cultural heritage of both countries and fostered mutual understanding and friendship.His contributions have not gone unnoticed. He has been honored for his dedication and service, particularly in his role as an advisor to the 11th China Overseas Chinese Federation and his involvement with the China Overseas Friendship Association. His commitment to social responsibility and community development continues to inspire those around him.In his role as the chairman of the Philippine Dowell Group of Companies, he has overseen numerous initiatives that have contributed to the country's economic growth and development. His expertise in packaging, printing, electricity, finance, and real estate has established him as a leading figure in these industries.Villareal's life is a testament to the power of resilience, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. From his humble beginnings in Fujian to his influential role in the Philippines, he has touched countless lives and made a lasting impact on both nations.His story is one of bridging cultures, uplifting communities, and building a brighter future for all.GABRIEL MA. J. LOPEZHall of Fame AwardeeGabriel Ma. J. Lopez has been involved with APCU way back, deeply intertwined with the organization's founding roots, as he joined APCU in 1974 on the year of its establishment. Since then, he has been a steadfast advocate for cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the Philippines and China. In 1977, he accompanied APCU founding member Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) to Guangzhou, China as a young member of the organization. Forty-six years later, he accompanied GMA, already as former President, rewalk the route again and passed the baton of Philippines-China frienship to the next generation.Lopez sees himself as "educator-servant" though."By being an educator and an environmental planner, he has almost circumnavigated the world doing his calling. He always gave something in return, sharing his knowledge and experience back home, and to countries that hired him as a consultant."That was how Prof. Lopez was described in an article written about him in a well-known news publication a few years back.Presently, Lopez is an Instructor for Research Methodology at the Loyola School of Theology of the Ateneo de Manila University, and is still active in comprehensive and integrated human settlements, organizational development and security planning in the Philippines.He is also a teacher of Business Management and Public Administration at Ateneo John Gokongwei School of Management, Ateneo School of Government, Graduate School of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Graduate School of Public and Development Management of the Development Academy of the Philippines, Graduate School of the Holy Angel University, and at San Sebastian Recoletos College de Cavite.He has also taught in Ateneo de Davao, De La Salle College (now DLSU) in Manila, Baltimore International Culinary Arts College, Philippine Air Force College, Philippine Army College, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Public Safety College, AFP Command and General Staff College, Ateneo de Manila University's School of Humanities, Miriam College and Enderun Colleges.A Filipino citizen, he was born on November 7, 1949. He is a Roman Catholic.In 1971, he received a BA in Humanities from the Ateneo de Manila University. The following year, he received a Master in Environmental (Urban and Regional) Planning (MEP) from the University of the Philippines, a Certificate in Governance Management (CGM) in 1976, and was a Doctoral Candidate in Public Administration (DPA Cand.) in 1979.He was also a candidate for an Executive Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the Development Academy of the Philippines in 2013. At about this same time, in 2012, he also received his Doctor of Philosophy in Urban and Regional Planning, PhD on a dissertation written on Philippine Regional Development Planning and National Security from the University of the Philippines. He is a licensed Philippine Environmental (Regional-Rural-Urban) Planner.He initially worked as a Regional-Urban Planner and Deputy Director for the Mindanao Regional Development Study Project in Davao City in Mindanao that was supported by United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and a government consortium. After which, he served as Regional Planner-Economist under National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).He held other executive positions under several other organizations and private enterprises before he left the Philippines in 1983. He then lived in Washington, D.C., where he was hired as a senior management advisor for Coverdale Organization, a company started by the late Ralph Coverdale, an ex-Jesuit novice of Ateneo.When he came home from working abroad, some of his work was still with Coverdale and at the same time he held various executive positions in several companies and organizations, did humanitarian work with several NGOs, worked as a lecturer in several schools, and wrote books in his spare time.He authored "Saemaul Undong for South Korea's Modern Development and President Park Chung Hee's Bridging Leadership" (Produced for Publication by Enderun Colleges, 2015); "Integrating National Security into Philippine Regional Development, Planning" (National Defense College of the Philippines, National Security Review, Golden Anniversary Issue, 2013); and "Regional Development and National Security in the Philippines" (National Defense College of the Philippines, National Security Review, 2006).He also co-authored several books about planning and development. His scholarly works on urban planning and national security, were recognized and said to be an "important part of our national development."His early involvement with APCU, including his election to the Board of Trustees and designation as VP-External, laid the foundation for his exemplary leadership and enduring dedication to the organization's mission.Lopez has exemplified visionary leadership, dedication, and commitment to promoting Philippines-China relations, and his contributions to the organization stand as testaments to his tireless efforts in fostering cultural understanding and cooperation between the two nations.