Wednesday, August 01, 2007 Carvajal: Worthy of emulation By Orlando P. Carvajal Break Point
IT is almost unbelievable that for the first time in a long time, in my lifetime anyway, town officials thought of recognizing Barili achievers. A week ago today, we had such an awarding ceremony, the first of what is intended to be a yearly affair according to our new mayor Aniceto “Ondo” P. Marinas.
Barili, of course, has many achievers but these are the ones the town chose to recognize for the year 2007.
In Business: Rural Bank of Barili, Inc., founded by the late Teotimo Abellana and remains the only bank to serve the financial needs of Barili residents; Shamrock Corp., founded by the late Honoria Paras, that from otap production has since expanded into other business ventures in Barili; and Dr. Ramon Unchuan, who runs Barili’s first and only successful dairy farm.
For Philantrophy: Engr. and Mrs. Jose Estrada, Barili’s most famous couple, now bent with age but unbowed by the continuing challenge to their generous hearts, and the Hospicio de San Jose of the Cui family, long the sole refuge for the elderly in this part of the world.
In the field of Culture: Azucena L. Pace who came home from her post at the Philippine Embassy in Spain and worked to preserve the town’s heritage by researching Barili’s history and establishing the town’s first heritage museum, and this writer for my consistent call as a journalist for good governance and for affectionately featuring my hometown from time to time in my writings.
For Community Service: Procopio Ricablanca, a rarity of a public servant who was once recognized in Manila as the model barangay captain of the Philippines, an award he was not able to get for lack of transportation money; Ret. Judge Ernesto Carreon, for an unblemished record as labor arbiter and later judge of the National Labor Relations Council; Dr. Eusebio Alquizalas, for the legendary care and attention he gave to Barilinians when he was head of the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center; and Teresita Carampatana, Barili’s Miss Do-It every time Barili celebrates a religious, educational, political or just simply social event.
In Education: Dr. Jose C. Aguilar who, as OIC-superintendent of Dumaguete, was the highest ranking Barileno in Education, and Santa Ana Academy, run by the Oblates of Notre Dame, that produced many of Barili’s present day achievers.
Finally, for Pastoral Work: Msgr. Elias M. Matarlo and Rev. Fr. Antonio Medida, for converting the parish church into a Shrine, the Shrine of Santa Ana.
I have seen their exemplary lives and they all deserve the award. I will be less than candid if I did not admit I am truly happy that the town thinks I deserve to walk in such august company that, as the citation reads, is “worthy of emulation for younger generations of Barilenos.”
