The TOCP is a program of the Philippine Councilor's League and the Junior Chamber International Philippines (Phil. Jaycees) in coordination with the office of Senator Edgardo Angara, to recognize the contributions of local legislators in the development of the nation. The TOCP award is on its first year of implementation.
Kipas, chair of the council committee on ways and means and appropriations, was nominated by the Baguio Sunflower Jaycee for his various social projects and programs geared towards the upliftment of the lives of his constituents.
Among the projects he initiated was Operation: Zero Dust, a community undertaking where volunteers commit eight hours of their time in one day to cleaning operations along the town's major thoroughfares and waterways.
"Our goal here is to inculcate extreme community volunteerism among our constituents," he said. The Zero Dust program started in 2002 and is conducted January of every year.
The alderman also maintains medical and educational support to indigent families in La Trinidad.
He also personally maintains the center for borrowing of sports equipment, a means to help schools and other sports associations acquire quality sports materials needed in developing the skills of their respective students and members.
Kipas also initiated the first interchurch choir competition and the literary and musical competitions to give venue for the young to show their talents and other skills and divert them from engaging in illicit activities.
"Being a public servant means going beyond the tasks assigned to you. As politicians, we should initiate other equally important programs and projects that are directly intended to the children and the general public and sustain these while we are in office. These are the challenges - for us to go beyond our tasks as legislators," he said. "I want these humble initiatives to be my legacy when I leave politics."
The alderman thanked the Baguio Sunflower Jaycee, under the leadership of Mary Mondiguing, for nominating him. "I appreciate the group for recognizing my efforts."(Jane Cadalig)
