The provincial government during the commemoration of President Carlos P. Garcia’s 123rd birth anniversary on Monday recognized exemplary Boholanos who espoused a “Bol-anon first” mentality, a wordplay on the late President’s once vaunted “Filipino First” policy which defined his administration.
Governor Arthur Yap who led the ceremonies at the CPG Park in Tagbilaran City acknowledged men and women who have made significant contributions through charity work and those who excelled in their respective fields of endeavor including business, tourism, health, environmental protection, culture, arts and sports.
“Many of the people you see around you are going beyond their call of duty, offering their time and resources and talents to put the Bol-anon first just like the way Carlos P. Garcia wanted us,” said Yap.
Among those singled out by the governor were Dr. Esterlita Lim and Dr. Em-Em Uy who organized various medical missions across the province including in far-flung villages and established the volunteer-run mental health center PAGPAKABUHI (Paghatag og Pagtagad sa Kabililhon sa Kinabuhi), respectively.
Yap also acknowledged Jam Ungab, founder of Plastic-Free Bohol, a movement that raises awareness on plastic pollution and spearheads cleanup drives in the province.
“Si Jammy Ungab pinaagi sa Plastic Free Bohol nga nagpadayon paghimo ug kawsa sa paghinlo sa atong kadagatan, siya usab naghatag og bili ug importansya sa mga Bol-anon nga labaw sa tanan,” said Yap.
Joven Uy of the Tzu Foundation and Fancy Baluyot of Gift of Life, known pillars of charitable projects in the province, were also recognized by the provincial government.
The governor acknowledged young entrepreneurs Dalareich Polot, Joy Uy, Allen Varquez, and Duke Minoza for their contributions in their respective industries.
In the field of sports, Yap noted the exploits of 16-year-old weightlifter Vanessa Sarno who won two gold medals and a silver medal during the 2019 Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in North Korea.
Others honored by the provincial government for their achievements are the following:
MUSIC
- Alma Fernando Taldo of the Loboc Children’s Choir
- Rene Balbin of the Loboc Ambassadors Band
- Zosima Acuram of the Dimiao Rondalla
- Catalino Salarda of Alicia Pangkat Kawayan
- Yoyoy Villame
THEATER
- Kasing Sining Teatro Bol-Anon of Gardy Labad
- Loon’s poets and dancers through the late Clovis Nazareno and Coycoy Ponte
- Himog Huni of Fr. Val Pinlac and Joseph Garayblas
- Carmen Gatal for her Sandugo work
- Nila Itac, HNU Diwanag Dance Troupe, Tubigon’s Lupae Dance Company
Meanwhile, the entire Bohol Weightlifting Team which bagged multiple medals during the Philippine Sports Commission’s Batang Pinoy 2019 National Championship were given plaques of recognition and Nike shoes during the ceremonies.
The awardees included gold medalists Dave Angelo Pacaldo, Lebron James Sarno, John Raphael Macaso; silver medalists Julia Xeanne Ouano, Denmark Pacaldo; bronze medalist Rhea Marie Magpalo and fifth placer Daisymae Zarna.
They were coached by Nicolas and Liza Jaluag.
“They, like the others, are putting the Bol-anon first, so here, as a small token, let us show them that we are putting them first,” said Yap. (R. Tutas)