MASANTOL -- The local government of Masantol hailed some of its outstanding citizens in various fields through the first ever “Guintu Ning Balen” (GNB) awarding ceremony held on Wednesday, May 23, at the St. Michael the Archangel Church patio.
Mayor Danilo Guintu and Municipal Tourism Officer Mercy Manansala led the recognition of outstanding Masantoleños in the fields of education, sports, civic society, entrepreneurship, and governance, among others.
Among the recognized citizens were Teodoro Usi for GNB Eldest Masantoleño, Marilou Yumang for GNB Most Outstanding Teacher, Ma. Theresa Saclao for GNB Most Outstanding Principal, and Agnes Canilao for GNB Most Outstanding Role Model Senior Citizen.
Likewise, the awarding ceremony also recognized the contributions of Alejandro Manansala, Rey Sigua and Lervin Flores in the field of sports, Godofredo Manansala in the field of music, and Dimples Romana in the performing arts field.
The Most Outstanding Municipal Employee was awarded to Romulo Guinto, Gil Navarro received the Most Outstanding Entrepreneur award, Homer Guintu, Domingo Bonifacio and Blohm for the GNB Global award, while Sixto Malle and Rowena Quiambao were recognized as Honorary Daughter and Son of Masantol.
During his speech, Guintu said that the GNB aims to recognize the contributions of Masantoleños in their respective fields, which in turn, brought pride and honor to their beloved hometown.
Being the first in the history of Masantol, Guintu expressed his hope that the awards body will encourage more Masantoleños to strive harder and bring the name of Masantol in everything they do.
“Our goal here is to show that Masantol is very much proud of all our kabalens here. Our awardees are just some of the outstanding Masantoleños and we will continue to recognize them through our annual Guintu Ning Balen,” he said.