Augusto Taveras Receives the Dominican Emigrant Award Sr. Oscar de la Renta

Santo Domingo.– The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) awarded the seventh edition of the Dominican Emigrant Award Mr. Oscar de la Renta to community leader Augusto Taveras, who established the Rancheros Unidos Foundation in New York, an entity that has transformed the lives of hundreds of peasant families in their homeland, Los Ranchos de Babosico in Santiago de los Caballeros, through the donation of more than 500 fully equipped homes. In the event led by Vice President Raquel Peña, the trajectory of this Dominican who arrived in New York in 1971 was highlighted, who has also collaborated in the construction of educational, sports, and health centers; he grants scholarships to young people and covers medical expenses for special surgeries, in collaboration with the Association of Fishermen and Farmers of Sabana Iglesia, the Padre Emiliano Tardif Foundation, Liceo Prof. Rafael Onofre Grullón, among other institutions in Santiago. In the act, Chancellor Roberto Álvarez recalled that the first axis of Dominican foreign policy, under the leadership of President Luis Abinader, is the protection of Dominicans abroad and that actions, such as this award, which recognizes the value of that community, are articulated under that objective.

“The presence of Dominicans abroad leaves a deep, valued, and respected mark by the host countries. It manifests in the daily economy of households, in the strengthening of ties with institutions, and in the social and cultural fabric of the cities where they reside. With their effort, our compatriots project values, knowledge, and affections that honor the name of the Dominican Republic and consolidate confidence in our shared future,” added The Minister.

From her side, the director of Specialized Diplomacy of MIREX, María Alejandra Castillo, expressed that “we honor those who exalt our land and demonstrate that true heritage is not measured in positions or titles, but in lives touched, in outstretched hands and in shared hope.”

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In addition to the award, Taveras received a cash prize of one million pesos donated by the Banreservas. During the 7th Edition of the Award, Milly Feliz, Alec Subero, Lucy Suazo, Juan Martínez De Los Santos, Rafael Pichardo, Sofia Lachapelle, Juan Antonio Young Carrasco, Mario García, and María Consuelo Jiménez Hernández De García were also recognized. These Dominicans stood out for their work in Canada, New York, Miami, Spain, and Scotland, from areas such as psychology, medicine, computer science, education, and community leadership. The nominations submitted were evaluated by the permanent commission and jury of the award, chaired by Haydee Rainieri; the permanent advisor, José Luis -Pepín- Corripio; in addition to the members of said commission: the ambassador and vice-minister of MIREX, Celínés Toribio, María Amalia León and Eliza Bolen; and María Alejandra Castillo, member and general coordinator of the Award, also director of Specialized Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The awards ceremony took place at the National Theater, where government officials gathered, including vice ministers and directors of the MIREX; authorities from other branches of the State; representatives of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps; the business sector; civil society organizations; media directors, opinion leaders, and representatives of art and entertainment. The event was sponsored by Banreservas, Grupo Puntacana, Fundación Corripio, KahKow, CEPM, and Energas.

About the Dominican Emigrant Award Mr. Oscar de la Renta

The Dominican Emigrant Award Mr. Oscar de la Renta, was created by decree number 242-17, to recognize the merits of the Dominican community abroad, which raises the name of the country in other latitudes. Inspired by the life of a man who proudly represented the best of the Dominican Republic, an example of excellence, distinguished by his ability to give, his splendid generosity, and his deep social commitment.