PORAC, Pampanga – Taking its cue from its educator-founders, Mekeni Food Corporation recognized its employees’ children who have achieved academic excellence in their respective schools through their annual Galing ng Batang Mekeni Awards.
On the eve of the 97th birthday of founder Felix Garcia, the multi-awarded food processing company recognized 185 achievers among its employees’ children, permeating an advocacy for education of the Garcia family.
Under its Galing ng Batang Mekeni program, the top honorees included two Magna Cum Laude finishers.
Pruds Garcia, president of Mekeni Food Corp., shared that this program is close to the heart of the family as it highlights the desire of the company to extend support to the family members of their employees. He further said that the program exhibits the appreciation on the sacrifices of the parents in providing the best future for their children through education.
This year’s top honorees are Magna Cum Laudes Kathreena Louise O. Uy and Mikhaella A. Santos.
Uy, daughter of Marilou Uy, AVP for HR/Exports, graduated from the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) with a degree in Business Administration with a major in Human Resource Management. The program was on its 2nd year when she got the first award in Grade 1. In her speech, Uy recalled how she would strive and study hard in order to get academic awards and be included in Mekeni’s recognition program for school achievers. She also advises the co-awardees to never give up whenever confronted with challenges.
On the other hand, Mikhaella Santos, the daughter of Ethelyn Santos, company dentist, graduated from Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) with a degree in Life and Science. She was in 5th Grade when she received her 1st recognition as a Galing ng Batang Mekeni awardee. Since then, she has consistently been recognized as a Galing ng Batang Mekeni awardee.
In her speech, Uy recalled how she would strive and study hard in order to get academic awards and be included in Mekeni’s recognition program for school achievers.
This year’s guest in the recognition is Jewel Mercado, Head of Synergies Agribubble Inc. and Anima Exchange Ltd. She said that Mekeni stands for motivation, excellence, kindness, empowerment, nurture and integrity. She commends Mekeni for supporting programs similar to this which uplifts the quality of life of Filipino families.
Over the years, Mekeni has supported various educational programs and activities within and beyond their hometown of Porac. The strong belief and value of education have been rooted in their founder’s mission.
Mekeni’s patriarch, Felix Garcia, and matriarch, the late Meding Garcia, were both public school teachers who have spent their lives educating young minds in Balubad, Porac before starting Mekeni.
“Ever since we were young, our parents have always instilled the importance of education and hard work in me and my four brothers. We have always kept in mind their sacrifices as we were growing up and made sure that all of their hard work would not go in vain. This is the value that we want to show our employees, and hopefully they can also impart that value to their children,” said Garcia.
Established in 2008, the awards program was initially started to help their employees with their children’s education and has grown to become a program that inspires students to excel in school to make their parents and community proud.
With the continuation of the Galing ng Batang Mekeni program, Mekeni hopes to help more employees and inspire more students to consistently persevere and work harder towards the realization of their dreams for a better future.
Now on its 17th year, the award is given under the company’s Employee Engagement Program that is aimed at motivating the children of Mekeni employees to excel in their education and to appreciate the hard work of their parents as they provide for their daily needs. The award also honors parents for their guidance and hard work as they provide for children’s needs and education.
All the awardees took home a “Galing Medal” and cash incentives from Mekeni.
The Galing ng Batang Mekeni Award program is dedicated to the founders, Tatay Felix Garcia and the late Nanay Meding Garcia, both public educators, who are strong believers that education is key in uplifting the quality of life of every Filipino family.
