Mayor Michael Rama and Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella award plaques of appreciation and P100,000 cash to some of the city’s centenarians, including Filomena C. Tariman, Leodegaria B. Tabal and Mercedes Franco. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)
The Cebu City government recognized 80 outstanding individuals and institutions during its 79th Charter Day testimonial dinner and awarding ceremony at the Radisson Blu Hotel Wednesday evening.
In his speech, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama thanked the different awardees for their contributions in their respective fields to make Cebu City the progressive city it is today.
“We’re honoring you because you did not go up alone. You bring people going forward, being part of tomorrow’s progress. We thank those who dedicated their lives to making Cebu City what it is today,” Rama said.
Seven posthumous awardees were feted by the city government including Judge Esperanza Fiel Garcia for her service in the judiciary and her pioneering work as founder of the Cebu CFI Community Cooperative.
The whole Garcia family led by former governor and representative Pablo “Pabling” Garcia were present to receive the award on behalf of the late judge.
Other posthumous awardees include former publisher Juanito Jabat of The Freeman, Pablo Tinga, Ernesto Herrera, Democrito Mendoza, Napoleon Rama and Ciriaco “Cacoy” Cañete.
Seven outstanding individuals were also awarded including Justice Gabriel Ingles (judiciary), Furne One (fashion industry), Mary Joy Tabal (sports), Vito Selma (furniture design), Carmelo Tamayo (visual arts), Pilar “Pilita” Corales (entertainment) and Maria Teresa Cruzata or “Dulce” (entertainment).
Six outstanding institutions were awarded including the Cebu Institute of Medicine (medical education), All-Terrain Medical Relief Organization or AMRO (humanitarian aid), Gasa sa Gugma (religious charitable), Kiwanis Club of Cebu (civil organization), Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (trade and investments), and Cebu Contractors Association (infrastructure support).
In his acceptance speech in behalf of the awardees, AMRO president Jesselito Simporios expressed their gratitude to the city government for the recognition.
“We did not reach this achievement alone. Numerous people have supported us in their own ways. Their guidance, encouragement and dedication to our cause have made our organization what it is today,” he said.
“It is an award given to us to remind us the importance of public service above all and a challenge to do everything we can to support the government and its people,” he added
All of the awardees received a plaque of recognition.
Six centenarians were also recognized by the city government. They are Mercedes Franco, Filomena Tariman, Leodegaria Tabal, Genera Bacolod, Graciana Adlawan and Nicanor Labao, who was the only one standing while receiving his award.
Each of them received P100,000 aside from their plaque. Only four of the six centenarians were present to personally receive their award.
A total of 54 Mayor’s Special Awardees were also feted during the ceremony including 23 different urban barangays in the city as well as City Councilors Lea Japson, Richard Osmeña and Roberto Cabarrubias who are on their third and last terms.
Other awardees include Roberto Aboitiz, RAPID Philippines, Rafaelito Barino, Evelyn Del Rosario, United Multisectoral Coordinating Council of Cebu City and Dr. Librado Macaraya Jr. for community service; Kim Chiu and Richard Yap for entertainment; Norman Navarro and See Cebu in Carousel Committee for arts and culture.
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma was also given an award (religious) together with Oscar Pineda, Leo Lastimosa, Jerry Tundag, Pachico Seares, and Fr. Domingo De Los Angeles for media; Atty. Delfin Nacua (legal), Hans Sy, Frederick Go and Napoleon Nazareno for business; Cebu Doctors’ University, Mega Cebu, Antonio Cuenco, GSG6, Association of Barangay Councils, Reynald Lauron, Ronald Diola and Rodolfo Estella.
Mayor Rama in his speech also said he will spearhead the search for the 80 families of distinction in the city as they celebrate their 80th Charter Day next year.
He said he will push for the program if he gets reelected as mayor.
During the city’s 75th Charter Day, they also conducted a search for 75 families of distinction.