MANILA -- Diosdado “Dado” Banatao, touted as a global Filipino technology innovator, was recognized as the 2018 Ramon V. Del Rosario Sr. Awardee for Nation Building for his contributions in the Philippines’ innovation system that would help in uplifting lives of Filipinos.
The award was given by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Manila together with Asian Institute of Management’s Ramon V. Del Rosario Center for Corporate Social Responsibility and PHINMA Group.
PHINMA president and chief executive officer Ramon Del Rosario Jr. has recognized Banatao as one of the most successful technology entrepreneurs of this generation. “His commitment to excellence in science and technology has inspired innovation among younger entrepreneurs,” del Rosario said.
Magnate Jaime Zobel de Ayala, chief executive officer of Ayala Group, has also acknowledged Banatao’s efforts in championing disruptive and entrepreneurial thinking among Filipinos and his collaboration with government agencies like Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Trade and Industry for inclusive innovation agenda.
For his part, Banatao stressed the role of education in his success. “Education comes before innovation.” he noted.
Banatao is a native of the small town of Iguig in Cagayan Valley and made his name in Silicon Valley for inventing a computer chip set.
He went back to the Philippines and founded the Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev), which aims to alleviate poverty in the country through education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Banatao now joins big names in the country such as Ambassador Jesus Tambunting, Senen Bacani, Oscar Lopez, Washington Sycip, Vicente Paterno, Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Manny Pangilinan, Henry Sy Sr., and George S. K. Ty, who were also Nation Building awardees in the past.
Meanwhile, PHINMA Group will be honoring young visionaries as it launched the Siklab Awards to recognize the country’s young leaders.
The search for the first Siklab Awardee kicks off this month and will be honored by July 2019. (PNA)
