Bacolod confers 'Ang Banwahanon Awards' to outstanding citizens

Monday 18th of June 2012

BACOLOD CITY, June 18 (PIA6)-- Three Bacolodnons - Pamela Torre Henares, Lucy Chua-Ponce and Joel “Bagguer” Villaluz, Sr were conferred by the Bacolod City Government Center, 'Ang Banwahanon Awards" in simple but elegant ceremony attended by former Banwahon awardees, leaders of the city, local officials, captains of business and industries, school officials,religious leaders, their families and relatives.

Since its first holding in 1974 under the administration of Mayor Carlos Benares, the 2012 version is the 25th series of the Ang Banwahon Awards. Including the three recipients this year, a total of 140 individuals have been given the awards. To some, the awards were given posthumously. No awards were given out in 1977, 1981-1989, 1991-1995 and 2011.

According to Rodel Parcon, City Public Information Office Chief, the selection of the 2012 awardees was administered by the Ang Banwahon Awards Committee composed of Chairman Leonito D. Lopue, Vice Chairman Councilor Homer Q. Bais, Treasurer Nelia F. Nemenzo, Secretary Ma. Johanna Ann Rabago-Bayoneta, Ph. D., and Msgr. Noly A. Que, LRMS, MBA, Ph D, with the assistance of Jose Ramos, Milagros Ong, Alfredo Barcelona, and Wilhemina Gonzales.

According to Lopue, the Ang Banwahon Awards have been institutionalized by City Ordinance No. 494 dated May 13, 2009. The recognition is the highest award that the City can give a Bacolodnon whose life and service has had a considerable impact on the people and the community; who has immensely contributed to the economic, cultural, sports, social, moral, or educational development; and has shown exemplary and selfless civic service that serves as an inspiration and model worthy of emulation by the residents of Bacolod City. An awardee must be willing to serve the City when called upon.

Bacolod City Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia called the evening an enchanted one that gathered the city’s outstanding citizens whose symbiotic partnership with city officials and their dedicated and creative efforts have brought Bacolod to where it is now and are still propelling Bacolod to surge ahead.

Leonardia said that “since 1938, Bacolod has gone a long way. It has become one of the most progressive cities in the Philippines. This progress can be physically seen and was validated in a scientific and objective manner by reputable local and international institutions.”

Henares was chosen as an awardee for her exemplary and selfless service to the City of Bacolod notably her advocacy in organic farming and promotion of sustainable and solid waste management practices that have significantly contributed and created an impact in the development of Bacolod’s communities.

Ponce was given the award for her personal selfless service and continued commitment to the welfare of the homeless and young people in conflict with law thereby significantly contributing to the development of young people to become better adults and productive citizens of Bacolod City.

On his part, Bagguer was conferred the award for his selfless service to the City of Bacolod generously giving his time and talent to render free music to people from all walks of life especially to the elderly and disabled, preserving and propagating our native music and culture and composing the official Hymn of the City of Bacolod—“Kami Bacolodnon”.

Both Henares and Ponce are active players in the business, trade, professional, cultural and religious life of Bacolod City. They own and participate in the management of various businesses and enterprises. They are members of many organizations promoting trade and professional advancement, culture and charity.

In her response, Henares said she is humbled by the award and therefore moved to speak for her advocacy anchored on R.A. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act and R.A. 10068 or the Organic Farming Act.

“In Bacolod City, much can be done for organic farming that will redound to safe food and encourage new entrants into the farming industry.”

Msgr. Felix P. Pasquin, VF, Rector & Vicar Forane of San Sebastian Cathedral, was the Guest Speaker.

Pasquin exhorted everyone aspiring to be leaders to serve and be the last as practiced by Jesus Christ. He told them to adopt the attitude of “What Can I do?” which is a better disposition than just merely fence sitting. He encouraged city leaders to put Bacolod City under God as doing so would assure that the City will not perish. (Rodel T. Parcon/PIA6-LOL/JCM)