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Through good
education and handwork, Kees Koelman overcome the odds and rose to the ranks
and was recognize as one of the top salesman of different companies, and
being one of the most admired businessman, he ably speaks French, English,
Dutch and German. After being at the pinnacle of his corporate career, he
decided it was time to put up his own business, with the goal of retiring ten
years after. Thus he and his partner started a humble computer sales business
with only one employee, his wife, Portia. She then didn’t know how to speak
Dutch but she was the Girl Friday of the company, which grew to be a
conglomerate in a few years time. Their company, Marketech sold computer
products, services and computer education courses.
After ten
years, and with 150 employees, true to his word, Kees retired. “I have already
reached my target. I sold it to three of our young and promising employees. I
even facilitated the sale in the bank. These three kids became owners of a
profitable business enterprise overnight. It was my goal to retire with my
family in the Philippines. “Retire as you are still able to go around, travel
and enjoy life” he says.
Kees dad was a
very devout catholic. His uncle, Fr. Cornelius Koelman is a missionary priest
of the Millhill Congregation assigned here in the Philippines. He so loved the
Philippines that he decided to spend the remaining years of his life in his
parish at Oton Iloilo, and even chose to be buried there. His other aunt is a
nun of the Holy Heart congregation assigned in Jakarta, while his other uncle
is also a MillHill congregation priest.
“We should help
one another” instead of the typical crab mentality of some Filipinos, says the
Philanthropist who was hurt when news circulated that they are just doing
these kind deeds for their own political ambition.
“I have no plan
of running in the election. Most importantly, I am not even a Filipino” says
the Dutchman “and my wife has no intention of running either” he adds.
The Koelman
legacy will live on for generations. Fame, power and money will fade with
time. More than being illustrious, primarily their family name will be
embedded in the hearts and minds of the hundreds of homeless whose lives they
have touched as they gave them hope for a better life. Kees & Portia Koelman
started as that spark of hope for these poor, and collectively, with the
generosity of more benefactors, 500 houses, a home for 500 families totaling
close to six thousand individuals, will be in completion as they will live
their new decent lives under the guiding light of the Koelman legacy, carrying
with them new hope and a bright future.
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