Monday, September 01, 2008 Outstanding citizens to be honored
SIX individuals who shine in their respective fields have been chosen as this year's outstanding citizens of Baguio City.
Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Edilberto Claravall, Baguio-Benguet Vicariate Bishop Carlito Cenzon, Jail Warden Miguel Cawi, City Health Officer Celia Flor Brillantes, Baguio Center for Young Adults Inc. (BCYA) executive director Marlene de Castro and journalist Baboo Mondoņedo will take center stage as outstanding citizens during the Baguio Day program on Monday at the University of Baguio gym.
Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. hailed the awardees chosen by the Search for Outstanding Citizens of Baguio (Socob) selection committee chaired by the citys chief executive.
Claravall, a prominent lawyer and former city councilor before he took on his task at the judiciary, was adjudged outstanding citizen in the field of community service. He was chosen for "leading leaders and adhering zealously as a follower in undertakings extending needed aid to the underprivileged; imparting sense of community to the Baguio youth; and living by the axiom, 'Service to Humanity is the Best Work of Life.'"
He is advocating for the institutionalization of the Judicial Dispute Resolution and an active officer of the Young Men's Christian Association. As a lawyer, he rendered free legal assistance to the poor. As a councilor elected in 1992 and 1995, he worked for the causes of environmental preservation highlighted by his vigorous opposition to the Camp John Hay mega-development project, anti-gambling and improvement of public utility services.
Cenzon, an awardee in the field of moral and spiritual development advocacy, was extolled for "zealously advancing advocacies geared toward imparting that distinct Baguio sense of fairness to the people in the community; and living by the axiom, 'Faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life.'"
Cawi, another awardee for community service, was cited for "giving respect for the human element over punishment while adhering to the majesty of law; investing on family relations over solitude; trimming fences to open the eyes of offenders to beauty of having friends; and allowing the sun of the community shine free in a place where light glows bleakly."
He steered the Baguio City Jail into being the best jail in the Cordillera with himself also being adjudged as the best regional director and best city jail warden.
Another awardee for community service is Brillantes who was lauded for her endeavors at the health front.
"While others were looking at the bigger picture, she placed things under a microscope to make the picture better to look at. While others endeavored to give sunshine, she explored places where the 'sun don't shine' to ensure that both giver and beneficiary lived healthy to get more pleasure from giving and receiving gifts."
A multi-awarded medical practitioner, Brillantes conceptualized the website "Bonjing," an electronic inquiry into sexual and reproductive health needs of young people.
Also hailed for exemplary community service, de Castro was commended for "innovating ways in honing raw little geniuses into prospective outstanding citizens and discovering ways to tap into the Baguio kids' soft spots and learning centers - like a mom but more than a mother; like a pal but more than a friend; like a teacher but more than a mentor."
De Castro for 22 years now has been involved in innovating programs in alternative education and community development.
Mondoņedo, for her part, is considered a pioneer in community journalism in the region having founded the Cordillera News Agency. As a writer, she has advocated for a clean and green Baguio.
"We were not born critical of issues in our community. In fact, some, if not most of us, still suffer from a psychological disease called nonchalance because we don't really know what we want. But with her pen comes information that has made us decide to change or other pursue what we believe in," her citation read.
Aside from the mayor, the search committee is composed of City Administrator Peter Fianza as action officer; Dr. Charles Cheng, co-chairperson and Socob liaison; Engr. Felino Lagman; Judge Heilia Mallare Philipps; Dr. Priscilla Macansantos; Dr. Nenita Rico; Midland Courier editor Cecille Afable; Divina Bautista; Art Tibaldo; Juan Carlos Anton; Trade City Director Carmelita Usman; Jose Olarte; and Councilors Joel Alangsab and Ysabelle de Vera. (APR)
