Wednesday, December 20, 2006 Cebu leaders sweep awards
CEBU’s leaders swept all awards in the city category in this year’s search for the Ten Outstanding Barangay Officials of the Year (Toboy).
Cebu City’s Ester Concha was picked as the region’s most excellent barangay captain in the annual search of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) 7.
She was cited for Barangay Calamba’s income-generating project that is managed and operated by persons with disabilities.
Concha joined Lahug’s Mary Ann Delos Santos and Luz’s Nemesio Pagador who earned the distinction in 2003 and 2004, respectively.
The Toboy is aimed at honoring the “shining examples” of leadership and excellence in the performance of their duties and functions, and whose accomplishments largely contributed to the development of the barangay.
It was conceived by the DILG 7, Liga ng mga Barangay, and Local Administration and Development Program Alumni Association of the Philippines (Ladpaap) in 1991.
Aside from Concha, Gloria Barreto of Barangay Bakilid, Mandaue City was chosen as best barangay councilor and Irish Dwight Remedio of Cabancalan, Mandaue City was also chosen as the best Sangguniang Kabataan chairman.
Wilma Sabaldan of Apas, Cebu City was chosen as the most excellent barangay treasurer while Kirby Marifosque of Gun-ob, Lapulapu City was awarded as best barangay secretary.
In the provincial category, Suba, Samboan town’s Rustica Sasan was the lone awardee from Cebu.
In an interview, Remedio, 22, said that “age is not a determining factor” for one to accomplish things.
All that it requires, he said, is hard work and passion for service.
“I also would like this to be an eye opener to everyone who thinks that the SK is a waste of funds, that there are many who are really doing something,” Remedio said.
He said only a few misbehave and tarnish the SK’s reputation.
Remedio was recognized for various trainings and seminars he has organized for the youth in cooperation with public and private schools.
For her part, Concha said that although Calamba does not have much funds, she was thankful that numerous non-government organizations, people’s organizations and government offices in the barangay are actively helping them.
Among other accomplishments, Concha was cited for Calamba’s Ecological Techno Center (EcoCenter), an income-generating materials recovery facility operated by the blind, deaf, handicapped, and mentally challenged in the barangay.
She said that as officials, they are effective only with the active participation of the constituents. (RHM)
