My dear SCDI family, friends in the industry, and colleagues, a

pleasant good evening to everyone.

First and foremost, I would like to extend my warmest greetings to

all of you. Thank you for attending our SCDI’s 40 th Anniversary.
Since today is the 2nd day of Christmas month, I would like also to
greet you a Merry Christmas and may you have a very prosperous
new year to come.

Tonight, is no ordinary night because tonight’s celebration marks

SCDI’s 40th year in the industry. Those 40 years was a roller coaster
ride for each and every one of us. And I am more than glad that
despite all the ups and downs, all the highs and lows, SCDI is still
here standing on firm grounds. Of course, I do not attribute this
success all to myself. SCDI’s 40th year in the business is a
celebrated success that would not have been possible if not for the
amazing people behind it.

Allow me to take this opportunity to express my sincerest gratitude

to our Almighty God for blessing SCDI 40 growing years.

SCDI’s success and 40 years of existence in the industry were far

from attainability if not for the unwearying dedication of the people
composing it. With that said, I would like to express my gratitude,
first, to my loving wife for her unceasing moral support and
inspiration not only as my partner but also as SCDI’s Senior Vice
President for Finance.

To my children, Arch. Henry Steve Olonan, my Senior Partner of

EOOA, thank you for your unwearying spirit in helping EOOA
become one of the leading consultant firm especially for government
projects.

To SCDI’s President, Erick Andrew Olonan, thank you for your

dedication and hard work making it possible for SCDI to reach this
far.

To our HR Director, Hencel Paula Olonan Malleta and her husband

Rommel Malleta, our Vice President for Logistics and Procurement,
thank you both for your unrelenting vigor in supporting our
company.

To my two beautiful daughters-in-law, Kim Olonan, our interior

designer, and Rhea Olonan, thank you for being a supportive wife to
your husband.

To my youngest son, John Henry Olonan, my special assistant.

Thank you for bearing with me all these years.
And to all of you, the SCDI family – our architects, engineers, the
accounting staffs, the HR department, and other staffs and site
workers, who I know one way or the other, along the way, have
made sacrifices to contribute to SCDI’s success. Of course, I will
never miss to appreciate the people outside SCDI – the suppliers,
the sub-cons, clients, and colleagues who have also put a great deal
of efforts for each and every accomplishment.

The 40 years of SCDI has not always been a bed of roses for all of us
since we have been through a lot. I can still recall each crisis that
SCDI went through during its 40 years of business operation.

 In 1983, the assassination of Ninoy Aquino shattered business

confidence so inflation and unemployment were soaring that
time.

 The economy also plunged towards the end of Marcos regime in

1986 during People Power Revolution.

 The 1997 Asian crisis made the whole economy fall apart and
the Philippine was labeled as “The sick man in Asia” as many
companies started to face insolvency.

 To this date, we are all still recovering from the impact of the
COVID-19 crisis, which affected worldwide economic activity.

 Up until this time we are still experiencing the economic effect

of the recent pandemic and to make matters worse it was
aggravated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict which continues to
weaken the global economy.

Hindi ko hinayaan patumbahin ako ng mga pagsubok na ito.

Bagkos lahat ay hinarap ko at nilampasan sa abot ng aking
makakaya. At dito ay natutunan ko na walang pagsubok ang hindi
kayang lampasan ng sino man kung ikaw ay may tiyaga,
determinasyon, malikhaing isip, pagpapakatao at takot sa Diyos.
Ang mga katangian na ito ang naging sandata ko laban sa mga
hamon na dinanas ng SCDI. Naniniwala ako na maaari niyo din
itong gamitin sa sarili niyong hamon sa buhay, at gaya ko, ang mga
pagsubok na ito ay inyo din mapagtagumpayan.