A visual artist, a social worker, an indigenous peoples (IP) organization, three centenarians, a farm that promotes agro-tourism, an organization that focuses on improving reproductive health, and highest taxpayers led the 42 recipients of the 2019 Mayor’s Award held on Tuesday as part of the highlights of the 15th Balayong Festival and 147th Founding Anniversary of Puerto Princesa City.
Mayor Lucilo Bayron said in his speech on March 5 that these individuals and organizations were given the Mayor’s Award for their outstanding contributions to the betterment of the city and for leading by example.
“This is one of the major events that I look forward to… [here] we recognize and honor the outstanding achievements of individuals and groups in our city who have led by example, and who exemplify personal achievements that go beyond ordinary, and in the process, inspiring others,” said Mayor Bayron.
The Mayor’s Award was divided into 17 categories, namely centenarian, academic, arts and culture, agriculture, indigenous; Gender and Development (GAD), public service, tourism service and development, health, senior citizen, social services, sports, religious, youth development, law and justices, top highest paying taxpayers, and the five outstanding women of Puerto Princesa.
Recognized as the “Five Outstanding Women of Puerto Princesa” were Evelyn O. Apellido in good governance and public service; Wenifreda J. Arcegono in family; Rosario C. Rodriguez in business; Edna Rafols Ubaldo in health, and Luz R. Asebuque in the academe.
The three centenarians who were cited were Felisa S. Escosura, Mariano D. Merced, and Joaquina D. Tomenez.
“Living up to 100 years is truly a great privilege. I am proud of all the awardees… may you inspire other [Puerto] Princesans to emulate your persistence, hard work, and determination,” said Bayron.
The other recipients of the Mayor’s Award are:
* Jonathan Benitez (visual artist) for the Arts and Culture
* Eva P. Ponce De Leon for Social Services
* Carlos A. Fernandez and Bituin Constantino Gonzales for Social Services
* Special Olympics Philippines-Palawan Chapter for Social Services
* Gemma Arguelles for the Academe/Education
* Perry Pe for the Academe/Education
* John Michael Lawrence B. Tatoy for Sports
* Jose Galinato for Indigenous Peoples
* Samahan ng mga Katutubo sa Tina from Sitio Kalakuasan, Brgy. Tanabag
* Dr. Louie Ocampo for Women/Gender and Development (GAD)
* The Yamang Bukid Farm for the Tourism Service/ Development
* Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour for the Tourism Service/ Development
* Consul General Julius Ceasar Flores for the Tourism Service/ Development
* Roots of Health or Ugat ng Kalusugan for Health
* Unico General Merchandising for Entrepreneurship/Business Highest Paying Taxpayers for Single Proprietorship
* Palawan Poultry and General Merchandising for Entrepreneurship/Business Highest Paying Taxpayers for Single Proprietorship
* Drugman Drughouse for Entrepreneurship/Business Highest Paying Taxpayers for Single Proprietorship Category
* SM Group of Companies for Entrepreneurship/Business Highest Paying Taxpayers for Corporation/Juridical Category
* NCCC Group of Companies for Entrepreneurship/Business Highest Paying Taxpayers for Corporation/Juridical Category
* Delta P. Incorporated for Entrepreneurship/Business Highest Paying Taxpayers for Corporation/Juridical Category
* Freemont Foods Corporation for Entrepreneurship/Business Highest Paying Taxpayers for Corporation/Juridical Category
* South Luzon Drugs Corporation for Entrepreneurship/Business Highest Paying Taxpayers for Corporation/Juridical Category
* Katala Foundation for Environmental Protection
* Dan M. Moral for Agriculture
* Sta. Cruz Farmers Association for Agriculture
* Pastor Juan Ancho Buenaventura for Religious
* Father Eugene Elivera for Religious
* Armando P. Golifardo for Youth Development
* Palawan Skate Boarding Association for Youth Development
* JCI Puerto Princesa Oil for Youth Development
* PNP-City Drug Enforcement Unit for Law and Justice
* Felizardo Cayatoc for Public Service
* Apolonia Y. David for Public Service
In a short interview with Palawan News, Carlo Abogado, the assistant city administrator, said there were nomination and selection committees assigned for each award.
The committees were in charge of picking the awardees, yet Mayor Bayron had the last say whom to give the awards, he said.
