The Cebu provincial government will launch a new award-giving body in line with the province’s 445th founding anniversary next month.
The “Province Awards” aims to give recognition to nongovernment organizations and individuals who have contributed to the development of Cebu province, said Provincial Information Officer Ethel Natera.
Natera added that the body is similar to the “Garbo sa Sugbo Awards” of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia but follows a different set of criteria.
The awards will be given at the end of the year.
Those who helped in post-Yolanda efforts, however, will be recognized during the province’s founding anniversary celebration on August 6.
Last year’s celebration lasted only a week, but this year, the Capitol will be observing its founding anniversary celebration for the whole month of August.
Natera said that activities have already been lined up for Capitol employees and guests to enjoy.
Despite the extension in the duration of the festivity, the budget of P3 million will be retained.
The provincial government used only half of the same amount allocated for the week-long celebration in 2013, she explained.
Natera said that the theme for this year’s founding anniversary will revolve around “development, resiliency and unity.” Aside from supertyphoon Yolanda last Nov. 8, Cebu province also incurred damage during the October 15 earthquake.