Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
“Thank you for your amazing leadership! You were simply awesome!”
Words were not enough to express what many people felt when they learned that Raffy Policarpio had retired from his post as Country Head of LBC Mundial, the Philippines’ premier cargo-forwarding company, effective November 15, 2023. Having made an indelible mark on an industry he loved and served so well these past 45 years, Raffy leaves a lasting legacy of hard work, selfless dedication, and community service.
If life were a box, it would be one that’s loaded with countless possibilities for Raffy who had no clue of what awaited him when he decided to migrate to Canada with his lovely wife Rose and their three kids, John, Cristina and Frances, in search of the proverbial greener pastures.
Raffy Policarpio, family man, accomplished golfer and LBC Canada’s pillar of strength and leader
Raffy’s story may sound like a run-of-the-mill immigrant’s tale of trials and tribulations. But guided by the hands of the Almighty in his life journey, Raffy was simply destined for success, inspired by his family who was the very reason he came to Canada in the first place. Because for Raffy, family is everything and this doting dad is proud to share that his three kids now have their own successful careers, are in enduring relationships and have families of their own.
Raffy’s climb to success did not come easy. He was first invited to join Atlas Freight Canada, under its president Ken Singh. Later, he was invited by then LBC country cargo manager Luis Casal to set up LBC in Toronto and was tasked to be the team head of the Toronto Warehouse. He put together his first three-man team and he himself started offering to pick up LBC sea cargo and send it to the Philippines!
Unfazed, Raffy went through a lot of birth pains but spared no effort to make his LBC location succeed. He was a courier, customer associate, cashier, accountant and supervisor rolled into one. He recalls those endless, grueling hours — in as early as 6 a.m. and out as late as 11 p.m., daily, even on Sundays! Not to mention the sub-zero winter days! He can’t count the dinners and weekends he missed with his family.
All those 14 years of keeping his nose to the grindstone paid off for Raffy who became LBC Mundial Cargo’s country head of Canada and East USA, armed with his expertise as a professional in the logistics industry. Today, LBC Mundial Cargo is the biggest door-to-door service provider in Canada for sea and air cargo to the Philippines.
Raffy’s career in logistics began with MOF Company under its VP Willy Peña. He learned the ropes in 10 years, which included international freight forwarding, air cargo, warehousing, customs clearance, trucking and “Just-in-time” supply chain logistics! Raffy joined Air Express International as country manager Philippines, which was merged into DHL Global Logistics, serving as VP for sales and marketing Philippines; Emery Transnational as president, which was merged into UPS Supply Chain Logistics, serving as GM for operations Philippines. As industrial partner managing director of LMC Logistics Philippines, he set up, with his partners, another company called Pinnacle Supply Chain Logistics, Just-in-Time warehouses in the export zones in the Philippines.
On top of the challenges and responsibilities of work and family, the unassuming and open-hearted Raffy never forgot to give back and serve his community, which he represented in sports and charitable activities. Carrying the LBC brand proudly, his community initiatives included the sponsorship of tournaments and group activities of Talamak Golf Club, a distinguished golf association in the Greater Toronto Area.
Fun fact: Did you know that Raffy is a fairly-skilled golfer who regularly enjoyed tee time with his fellow Talamak members and is a member of the Orchard Golf and Country Club in the Philippines,.
Raffy was likewise the main sponsor of the yearly GTA Interleague Golf tournament and the principal sponsor of the annual LBC Fun Badminton tournaments for racquet-wielding enthusiasts. LBC also regularly sponsored and participated in the ANCOP (Answering the Call of the Poor) charity walk as well as the Taste of Manila food fest to provide assistance to typhoon-stricken communities in the Philippines, and the list goes on!
Signed, sealed, delivered? Raffy Policarpio surely delivered with an unswerving passion for service as he chose to step down from LBC Mundial Cargo on a high note. — Ching Alano
