During the fifth edition of the Dr. Julio A. Brache Arzeno Award to Sustainability, Rica Foundation recognized three nonprofit organizations this Thursday for their outstanding work in the areas of education, health and environment.
On this occasion, the Fe y Alegría Foundation was awarded in the Education category for its commitment to comprehensive training and the promotion of educational opportunities for vulnerable communities.
In the area of Environmentthe recognition was awarded to the Association for the Development of San José de Ocoa (Adesjo), entity noted for its leadership in environmental conservationreforestation and sustainable management of natural resources.
He Dr. Julio A. Brache Arzeno Award in the Health category was delivered to the Dominican Rehabilitation Association (ADR), for its work in the care, inclusion and rehabilitation of people with disabilitieswith 35 centers in 25 provinces of the country.
Each of the award-winning institutions received a cash recognition of 1,250,000 pesoswhich will be used to strengthen its programs and expand its impact on society.
Julio Virgilio Brachepresident of the Rica Foundationhighlighted that in this edition a total of 86 applications: 43 in Education24 in Health and 18 in Environment.
“This award not only represents the legacy of Dr. Brache Arzenobut also constitutes recognition of the invaluable work of the non-profit institutions of the Dominican Republic, who unite their efforts to raise the living conditions of our people,” he stated.
Creation of new category
During the activity, Julio Virgilio Brache announced the creation of a new category called Community Developmentwhich will come into force from the next call for the award, in 2026.
He explained that this incorporation is part of the efforts for recognizing the entities that contribute to the community well-being and that have transcended the limits of current categories. The decision was supported by the Board of Directors, the evaluating jury and, especially, by José Marmol.
“This award is a call to action for the civil society and the private sector; a reminder that we can and should all contribute our best ideas, resources and energies in the pursuit of innovative and sustainable solutions that promote the economic, social and environmental development of our nation,” he said.
