OUT of 128 punong barangays in Baguio City, 12 of them have shown an exemplary performance as grassroots leaders.

Recognized as Hall of Fame Awardees for the 2017 Rotary Club of Metro Baguio Outstanding Punong Barangay Awards are Punong Barangays Ferdinand Bucad of Barangay Hillside and Oliver Van Dicang of Lower Quirino Hill.

The 10 OPB awardees are Punong Barangays Federico Codley of Atok Traill, James Doligas of Brookside, Gil Lomboy of Country Club Village, Murphy Maspil Sr. of Holy Ghost Proper, and Nicanor Nialla of San Antonio Village.

Completing the list of awardees are Punong Barangays Jessie Jacob Palos Sr. of Bakakeng Norte/Sur, Soriano Palunan of Happy Hollow, Wilbert Ponce of Andres Bonifacio, Andres Remorque Jr. of Upper QM, and Julita Sagun of Upper General Luna Rd.

RCMB President Thomas Morado with OPB Awards 2017 Co-Chair Amando Mayo and Club Secretary Fely Ronquillo lead the awarding of plaques to the 12 awardees who were all lauded by Congressman Mark Go and Mayor Mauricio Domogan who served as special guests during the event.

The awardees were also recognized during the Monday flag raising ceremony at Baguio City Hall.

The selection of winners was based on their advocacy on tourism promotion, programs against graft and corruption, drug prevention, anti-squatting, and enforcement of laws and protection of the environment like clean and green program which include solid waste segregation and tree planting.

Other criteria include the infrastructure projects such as the construction of multipurpose building and satellite market; programs on family planning, peace and order, health programs like the conduct of a medical-dental mission; the completion of the preparation and implementation of the barangay budget and annual report; and the good relationship of the punong barangays to their constituents.

The nominees for the award were based on the recommendation of the Department of Interior and Local Government-Baguio and the Association of Barangay Councils. These were validated through an on the spot visit and interviews spearhead by the OPB Selection and Evaluation Committee.

May RCMB's annual OPB Awards inspire more Barangay leaders to be an inspiration and model to all their constituents. Congratulations to all the awardees!

For comments and suggestions email alahsungduan@gmail.com