PhilDev Foundation Announces 2024 Awardees

PhilDev Foundation Announces 2024 Awardees to Be Recognized at the PhilDev Gala and Awards on October 12, 2024

San Francisco, CA — The Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 PhilDev Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions in Education, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. This year’s Gala is exceptional as we inaugurate the Dado Banatao Legacy Award, named after our esteemed founder and Silicon Valley pioneer, Diosdado “Dado” Banatao.

Awardees include:

Education: Sheila Coronel, Director of the Stabile Center for Investigative Journalism and the Stabile Professor of Professional Practice in Investigative Journalism at Columbia University, for her unwavering commitment to investigative journalism and her efforts to build institutions thatsupport free and independent reporting.

Innovation: Ayesha Vera-Yu, CEO & Co-Founder of ARK Solves, for her groundbreaking work in social impact ventures that empower rural communities toward self-sustainable food security.

Entrepreneurship: Eros Quesada Resmini Jr., Founder & Managing Partner of The Mini Fund, for his dedication to helping young entrepreneurs build lasting foundations for their startups through hands-on mentorship and investment.

Entrepreneurship: Susie Quesada, 3rd generation owner and President of Ramar Foods International, for leading the Filipino food company and bringing the flavors of the Philippines to supermarkets and restaurants across the world.

The Dado Banatao Legacy Award will be presented to Eric Toda, Director of Social Marketing at Meta and Executive Director of Meta Prosper. Eric is recognized for his visionary leadership, relentless advocacy, and transformative contributions to the Asian American community and the tech industry. This award celebrates an individual who has made significant and lasting impacts, on both a local and global scale, aligned with the mission and values set by PhilDev Founder, Dado Banatao.

“We are honored to celebrate these remarkable individuals who have made significant strides in their fields,” said Maria Banatao, PhilDev Foundation Trustee and Gala Chair. “Their work embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence that we strive to promote at PhilDev.”

The awards will be presented at the PhilDev Gala and Awards on October 12, 2024, 5:30 pm, at the Westin SFO in San Francisco, CA. The evening will be a memorable celebration featuring live entertainment from R&B artist Zeyonce Brown and The Voice USA’s Justin and Jeremy Garcia. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a live auction, for the benefit of PhilDev's initiatives in education, innovation and entrepreneurship.

“We call on the Fil-Am community to attend the Gala,” said Olivia de Jesus, PhilDev USA Executive Director. “Your support enables our young Filipinos to achieve their dream of success.”

Tickets and Donations: To book seats or host a table at the Gala, please visit: www.phildev.org/events/phildev-gala-and-awards-2024/

For those unable to attend, PhilDev encourages donations. You may send your check donations by mail to “Philippine Development Foundation, 325 Lytton Avenue, Suite 4A, Palo Alto, CA 94301,” or you may also donate online at: www.phildev.org/donate-to-phildev/

About PhilDev Foundation:

PhilDev is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that aims to empower the next generation of Filipinos through the pillars of education, innovation and entrepreneurship. Our vision is to see Filipinos achieve success and make a positive impact as leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs, anywhere in the world. To date, our STEM scholarships, technology and entrepreneurship training programs in the Philippines have supported 321 scholars, 225 start-ups and 109 innovations. Founded by Silicon Valley legend Diosdado “Dado” Banatao, PhilDev is more than an organization. We are shaping the future — one mind, one idea, one success story at a time.

For more information about the Gala and Awards Night, please visit www.phildev.org