OLYMPIC silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz received the Orgullo de Zamboanga Premiar, the highest recognition the City Government of Zamboanga bestows to a Zamboangueño, for significant and meritorious contributions to the city.
Diaz received the most coveted award as the local government rolled out on Friday night, February 24, the red carpet to honor nine Zamboangueños, local establishments, and organizations that brought honor and fame to Zamboanga City.
Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has led the 2017 Local Achiever Awards in ceremonies that started at 7 p.m. at the convention hall of the Centro Latino at the Paseo del Mar.
Salazar said the City Government bestowed Diaz the award since she did not only bring honor to Zamboanga City locally but in the international arena by winning the silver medal in the 53-kilograms weightlifting category of the Rio Olympics.
The other awardees honored for their exemplary performances and contributions in their respective fields of endeavors are: the Coca-Cola Femsa Philippines, Inc. as the Top Local Corporate Taxpayer; Al Hassan Hasiman as the Top Local Individual Taxpayer; Southern Philippines Deep Sea Fishing Association, Inc (SOPHIL) for the Investment Promotion category; and City Agriculturist Diosdado Palacat for the City Government service Award.
Also honored were world-renowned film-maker Sheron Dayoc for the Culture and Arts category and Mark Francis Francisco for the Academic (Individual) Award; Southern City Colleges for the Academic (Institution) Award; the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation for the Community Service–Organization award; and, Dr. Romeo Ferrer Bangongon for the Community Service–Individual award.
The 2017 Local Achiever Award is part of the activities of the 80th Charter Day Anniversary of Zamboanga City.
Zamboanga City is celebrating its Charter Day Anniversary in Sunday, February 26, that marked the day when the first set of city Government officials led by Mayor Nicasio Valderoza, was sworn into office 80 years ago. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)