“Ryukangodou” – By sweat you recognize the way – is a favorite maxim of Mr. Busaburo Otsuka, the founder of Otsuka group of companies. He believes that knowledge is worthless until effort shows its true power, and this fundamental value has passed on from generation to generation and continues to inspire all at Otsuka.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of OPPI, which was established on December 17, 1997 with Mr. Yoshinobu Nishida as its first president. After 20 years, the company is more than twice as large in number of employees and has become a one billion company.
To express gratitude to the great contributions and efforts of the predecessors and employees of OPPI, and also to wish the company further growth, OPPI had two celebrations.
The first was an anniversary dinner at New World Makati Hotel where OPPI managers and Otsuka Japan’s top management headed by Mr. Ichiro Otsuka attended. The second was a dinner party at F1 Hotel Manila where all the employees of the company were in attendance.
On both occasions, the ceremony began with “Kagamibiraki”, a Japanese tradition of toasting, to celebrate the success of OPPI and to wish everyone’s good health. Following the Filipino cultural dance performance and the 20th anniversary video presentation, Mr. Dudes Adriatico, National Sales Manager and one of the pioneers of OPPI, presented the company’s remarkable history as one of the top innovators in the Philippine pharmaceutical market.
In his message, Mr. Ken Saito, President and General Manager, reiterated the theme for this year “Jissho and Sozosei” and expressed his determination saying that “We will continue to improve ourselves and do our best to further contribute to the well-being of patients.” Mr. Yasuhito Kamei, Vice President, in his message, voiced his commitment to be the best partner in Clinical Nutrition for the Filipino people.
The distinguishing feature of the first celebration was the congratulatory message from Mr. Ichiro Otsuka, Chairman of Otsuka Holdings, who said, “Please do not forget that our predecessors’ hard work is what got us to where we are now. I wish that all of you will continue to work for better health of the people in the Philippines. And please continue to build a better company so that people will think that having OPPI is a good thing for the Philippines.”
In the second celebration, Mr. Mikio Bando, Senior Operating Officer of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., sent a video of his congratulatory message. Those who joined the company from the start of its business operations in 1998, namely, Ulysses C. Adriatico – National Sales Manager, Abner C. Patriana – Key Accounts Manager, and Joseph Franklyn V. Ladaga – Senior Pharmaceutical Science Manger, were given “Plaques of Appreciation” in grateful recognition of their valuable contribution and untiring commitment throughout the company’s 20-year journey.
In closing both events, everyone participated in the “Awa Dance” which is usually performed at every celebratory occasion in Tokushima, the birthplace of Otsuka.