The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presented the 2013 Family Values Award (FVA) to Jollibee in recognition of their advocacies that advance standards and values that strengthen the Filipino family. Now on its 8th year, the FVA was held on November 20 in an intimate ceremony at EDSA Shangri-la. Senator Grace Poe co-presented the award together with Elder Brent H. Nielson, Philippines Area President of the Church.
The Family Values Award is presented annually to community leaders or institutions in Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa and the United States.
For the past 35 years, Jollibee has inspired families to preserve traditional values that allow them to foster respect and love in the home. Through their campaigns and advertising programs that focus on cherishing and strengthening family relationships, they are able to contribute to helping shape communities and families, and encourage them to make a difference in other’s lives. A great number of their TVCs for the past three decades centered on messages espousing family bonding and good values that start at home.
For the past three years, it has also paid tribute to five exemplary Filipino families via the annual Jollibee’s Family Values Awards (JFVA). This recognition inspires many families to make a difference not only within their homes but to be an influential force for good in their communities.
Mr. Joseph Tanbuntiong, President of Jollibee Philippines, said, “Jollibee has always been committed to be of service to Filipino families worldwide. Apart from happily serving them with great tasting and affordable food, we also serve as a place where countless happy bonding moments are made. And for the past 35 years, we’ve been very honored to have been part of their personal joys and triumphs; and even get to witness their inspiring stories on how they are able to touch the lives of their fellowmen. This award will only strengthen our resolve to continue devoting our time and effort to come up with initiatives that preserve and uphold the Filipinos’ love for their families, and the timeless values that resonate in the community and can bring forth positive change in our society.”
In her message, Senator Grace Poe highlighted the importance of families and the need to strengthen the Filipino family amidst the many calamities and challenges it is facing. She also recognized the Family History program of the Church since their family was able to find birth records of her father, the late Fernando Poe Jr., from the microfilmed birth certificates which were later digitized and are now available online on www.FamilySearch.org. His record was considered lost in the Civil Registry.
Elder Brent H. Nielson added, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints understands that families are the basic unit of our society. If families succeed our society succeeds. We seek after and honor those in our society who share this view and are working diligently to support the family unit in the Philippines. Clearly Jollibee is one of those outstanding organizations that has at its core values the desire to strengthen and support the Filipino family. We thank them for their remarkable work and honor them for their ongoing efforts to help families and children."
During the event, both the Church through its social arm, LDS Charities, and Jollibee Group Foundation, took the time to share each of their humanitarian services projects in relation with Yolanda. According to Jollibee, all sales coming from the Jollibee Dancing Dolls will be donated to Tacloban. Haidi F. Fajardo, Area Director for Public Affairs, mentioned that the Church released Php 40 Million for food kits, hygiene kits, tent kits, cooking kits, generators and other items needed for the survivors.
The Family Values Award (FVA) is given by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to recognize the honorable efforts of moral, upstanding community leaders and institutions striving to advance standards and values that are consistent with the Church’s position on the sanctity of the family. It is presented annually to community leaders in different parts of the world. The concept of a united family that lives and progresses forever is at the core of Latter-day Saint doctrine.