BY BOBBY ORIG
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Vic Sumalinog.
Owing to the wide respect that Vic has gained from the Davao City community as a newspaperman and columnist of Mindanao Times, I recommended Vic to serve as Davao Light’s Community Relations Manager.
Vic proved to be an excellent choice. He skillfully managed Davao Light’s relationships with the Davao City community: he effectively addressed the community’s issues and concerns, developed CSR programs that are compliant with social standards, monitored public sentiments, and implemented initiatives that immensely enhanced the company’s standing in the community.
Recognizing Vic’s invaluable contribution in cultivating a positive public image for Davao Light, in 2011 Vic was conferred the Don Ramon Aboitiz Award of Excellence (DRAEE), the highest honor bestowed by the Aboitiz organization to an employee of the Aboitiz Group of Companies. He was the lone awardee in 2011. Below are excerpts of his achievements cited by DRAEE.
• Sumalinog’s biggest achievements are in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project implementation. This is the program that bridges the company to the aspirations of the people in its community — the company’s franchise area.
• On education, Sumalinog spearheaded company’s efforts in helping fill the gap of classroom requirements in public elementary and secondary schools. He has been responsible for facilitating the construction and donation of 34 school buildings or a total of 106 classrooms in schools situated within power firm’s franchise since 1996.
• In 2000, Comrel launched a scholarship program for both high school and college – all dependents of Davao Light customers. As of last March 2011 108 scholars have already finished college, most graduated with flying colors.
• With the various CSR projects through the 18 years under the watch of Sumalinog, Davao Light has been consistently receiving awards and recognition from different award-giving bodies, such as the Department of Education (DepEd), and the local government units within the franchise area. In 2004 Davao Light’s CSR was top among corporation under the Energy and Utilities sector in terms of CSR program implementation. In a benchmarking study by PBSP in 2003 to 2004 Davao Light’s CSR got a 4.89 rating or .11 short of the benchmark of 5.
Vic built an enduring legacy of service that is a source of pride to his family, his colleagues in Davao Light, his associates in the media community and his scores of friends.
He is survived by his wife Jolita D. Sumalinog, children Sasha, Maria Luisa, Achill, Shari Rule, and Albert, and grandchildren, Alexander Benedict, Althea Elisha, Franchezca Gabrielle, and Xyla Zoe.
It is with heavy hearts that we must say goodbye to Vic. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and loved ones. He will be deeply missed but his legacy will live on.
