Private charity organization Pitmaster Foundation, chaired by businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang, is among the finalists of the 2022 Stevie Awards for Business.

Given by the Stevie Awards, Inc., the award acknowledges major business groups across the globe for their corporate and social responsibility efforts.

The foundation was part of more than 1,500 nominations from 27 different countries that were shortlisted for the Most Valuable Non-Profit Response Category. It is set to receive the most coveted gold award.

Pitmaster Foundation was selected for its valuable support to the government during the pandemic and its immediate disaster response to affected communities devastated by five major typhoons from 2020 to 2022.

To recall, the foundation has donated almost P1 billion to the government's Covid-19 response program and other related medical and disaster assistance.

The initiatives have benefitted more than 650,000 individuals and 300 groups nationwide.

As a result of its unwavering dedication and efforts, the foundation has also emerged as a credible national charitable organization, with the support of diverse stakeholder partners and its strong ties to local communities.

Ang, along with Pitmaster Foundation executive director Atty. Caroline Cruz, has likewise elevated the foundation through several strategic initiatives.

"Our immediate response program keeps the foundation's employees and 5,230 volunteers and members safe and healthy as they travel around the country to engage in humanitarian work," Cruz said.

"The Foundation has been very fortunate to be led by Mr. Charlie "Atong" Ang, whose leadership of the organization has provided space for women like myself to occupy its important roles and positions. Men in positions of power in the business world must be open, willing, and enthusiastic about bring into their organizations the talents and energies of competent women," she added.

"The women-led Pitmaster Foundation is recognized for service above and beyond the call of duty in challenging times."

Cruz then released an official statement expounding the importance of gender cooperation in breaking down barriers for women in the world of business and philanthropy, thus, Pitmaster Foundation deserves the Stevie nomination.

"The recognition from the Stevie Awards reflects the efforts Mr. Ang and many male supporters and leaders in the organization to collaborate and welcome the efforts of women colleagues and leaders, just as much as it reflects the efforts the women of the team have brought in."

"It takes both men and women, working together, to make lasting and meaningful change in the lives of the people we serve."

"For this reason, although Pitmaster Foundation has been recognized by the Stevies for female leadership, it would also be proper to give due credit to Mr. Ang's leadership in providing women immense opportunities to lead and succeed in the organization. We hope more businesses and charities will follow his example," the executive director said in her statement.

Established in 2002, the Stevie Awards for Business is one of the world's premier business awards "that honors and grants public recognition of the achievements and contributions of business executives, professionals, entrepreneurs, and the organizations they run."

A specialized jury of more than 200 professionals worldwide selects the awardees. The judges include many of the world's most respected executives, entrepreneurs, innovators, and business educators.

Meanwhile, the three other awardees from the Philippines are Michelle Bauyon, an individual awardee; Congresswoman Camille Villar, Government Hero of the Year awardee; and Evident Integrated Marketing, PR Campaign of the Year in Public Service awardee.

The awardees will be revealed during the gala banquet on 11 November 2022, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, USA.