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Friday, March 11, 2005
Manansala: Kalilangan S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Awards
By Orman O. Manansala
My Two-Centavo Worth
DAGHANG salamat sa tanan. I finally got a much-deserved rest last February 28.
After a grueling week, I must say that this year's Kalilangan Festival is one of the most organized that I have handled.
There are countless individuals, groups and organizations that deserve the city's appreciation for the support that we received.
Most of them are well known but a number will remain nameless and faceless.
To them, I extend my heartfelt gratitude.
There are those who have remained monkeys-in-our-back--irksome, irritating and annoying people who will always make life miserable for us.
This piece will not be about them.
This will be about the people whose steadfast determination and relentless drive for excellence helped us achieved our goals.
* * * * *
SENSE of urgency award. "The conviction that life's moments are precious and should therefore be dedicated to accomplishing as much as can be."
The City Engineering Office (CEO) tops this award.
Tasked to spearhead the festival was the suave gentlemen-engineer John Marc Reyes.
Having worked with Marc's team for four years, we have become accustomed to each other's work requirements.
Marc didn't have to be told what to do - he takes up the cudgels, sets his priorities and finishes his tasks and beats deadlines while overcoming obstacles.
From construction to painting to watering the oval plaza - the CEO team was on top of things.
* * * * *
PRIDE'S in one's work award. "The belief that their work output is a reflection of their person and that they are an integral part in achieving the vision."
My artistic team headed by Assistant Festival Director Boboy Napalit has once again proven to all and sundry that this dusty city can be transformed into a festive mood.
Working on the installation archways and designs and finishing them on time have always been our waterloo.
To remedy this, Boboy's team went on overdrive a month before the festivities.
The dynamics in this group amazes me no-end.
They usually start with a concept and design, present it to me to critique, build it and install it in a jiffy.
Their passion in their work infects others with the enthusiasm virus.
* * * * *
ESPRIT de corp award. "Individuals converging to work harmoniously as one and move passionately towards the attainment of the Vision."
I take my hats off to the workforce of the City Economic Management & Cooperative Development Office.
Under the tutelage of Officer-In-Charge Coralynn Gacal-Espinosa, this once sleepy department rose up the ladder, taking the forefront of the City's Tourism efforts.
Coralynn's no-holds-barred style of management has injected the needed vigor that we in the private sector have been asking for.
For this year's Kalilangan, CEMCDO wins the "Partner ng Private Sector" Award.
* * * * *
COMMITMENT to excellence award. "The relentless pursuit of being the best that there can be in anything and everything that you say, think and do."
Globe Telecom wins this award hands down.
In the process of my negotiations with the two major telecom companies, I observed the contrasting difference with how each company dealt with me in the negotiations table.
Globe was ahead in every step of the way.
Chief negotiator Alex Sam was professional in his dealings and was a tough nut to crack.
Unfortunately I cannot say the same thing with the other company.
That would be an altogether different story.
As Corporate Partner, I saw how Globe delivered on their commitment.
The vertical banners were in tarpaulin form and very pleasing to the eye.
Each and every issue that crop up was raised to me and dealt with appropriately.
Despite the Valentine's Day bombing, Globe never wavered on their resolve to support Gensan.
Globe treated us fair, square and at their professional best and that for me was worth the partnership.
* * * * *
INTEGRITY award. "Being true to oneself and the institution we serve and being at peace with the thought that we have conducted ourselves with transparency and beyond reproach."
After a rough start, the new set of officers and incorporators of Kalilangan Foundation Incorporated finally got their acts together and moved in one direction.
With a new sense of purpose and a more focused drive on how to run the festival, the KFI wins the Integrity Award.
Our guiding principle was to be sincere, honest and fair in dealing with everyone.
I believe being straightforward in all undertakings will demolish any attempt to rock the boat.
During the short period that I worked with the KFI team, I saw how everyone exercised self-restraint and discipline especially during trying times.
I take my hats off to President Boy Roxas, VP for Operations Ali Bajunaid, VP for Administration Warren Manilay, Treasurer Emie Nazareth, Auditor Rey Billena and Incorporators Aloha Lugares, Purita Yadao and Lita Manook.
* * * * *
ALTRUISM Award. "Acts of selflessness with the conviction that life's true meaning is in service of others."
The gallantry of our men in uniform warms my heart endlessly.
Despite some minor booboos on the part of the Philippine National Police, City Director Colonel Willy Dangane's team emerged victorious.
With able support from Major Albero, who actively sought feedback about his men, the Philippine National Police's star was shining brightest this year.
Standing side-by-side are the men from the Joint Task Force Gensan headed by Colonel Medardo Geslani and his assistant Captain Art Palma.
Their dedication beyond the call of duty just to ensure the safety of the Generals can be gleaned from the fact that this year's culmination night brought to the streets the largest number of revelers in festival history.
It only proves that the people trust our peacekeeping forces so much.
Take a bow, gentlemen.
* * * * *
LEADERSHIP Award. "Inspiring, enabling and driving oneself and others towards the attainment of a vision."
I've worked with Mayor Jun Acharon many times in the past but this is the first time that we really kept each other abreast of all the details concerning the 66th Foundation Anniversary celebrations.
Suffice to say, I finally saw him take ownership over his actions - become decisive and walking the talk.
When the bomb went off in Gaisano, he immediately assessed the situation and communicated his plans to all those involve.
I saw how he encouraged communication in all directions but deciding from his gut-feel.
What drives this man to inject such positive attitude towards peers and subordinates?
I am at awe with these recent discoveries about him.
I believe that each crisis situation brings out the best and worst of every human being.
But this guy not only brings out the best in himself, he also brings out the best in others.
Kuya Jun, continue to exercise transparency in your motives, intentions and actions.
This will be your winning edge for the rest of your life.
For Bisaya stories from General Santos. Click here. (This section is updated every Monday)
(March 7, 2005 issue)
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