UNDER the leadership of Mayor Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco, Liloan town was able to raise its local revenues by 400 percent and sponsor more than 1,000 scholars from underprivileged families.
These accomplishments made Frasco the only Cebuano who received The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines award for 2014 in the field of public administration.
The Junior Chamber International Philippines, together with the TOYM Foundation and Gerry Roxas Foundation, announced six awardees last Monday night.
Aside from Frasco, other awardees were Ma. Doris Dumlao in the field of journalism; Biñan City Mayor Marlyn B. Alonte-Naguiat in government and public service; Jessie Pascual P. Bitog in agricultural engineering; Dr. John Mark S. Velasco in medical science and public health; and Oscar Franklin B. Tan in the field of law.
Selfless
The TOYM “seeks to give national recognition to young men and women between ages 18 and 40, whose selfless dedication to their profession or vocation has resulted in significant contributions to the welfare of their countrymen, as well as the advancement of their fields of endeavor.”
“I am deeply humbled by this great distinction. I share this award with the people of Liloan and of Cebu. Serving as mayor of Liloan for the past eight years has truly been a privilege. Receiving this award is an affirmation that we must be doing something good,” Frasco said.
Since he assumed as mayor of Liloan, the increase in the town’s revenue allowed the municipal government to provide quality basic services, infrastructure and economic opportunities to its constituents.
When Frasco established a scholarship program in 2008, Liloan initially had 48 scholars.
The town now has 1,617 scholars.
Frasco said education has always been his top priority.
“Many of them have gone on to graduate with distinction from top universities here in Cebu, and secured well-paying jobs that have allowed them to support not only themselves, but their families as well. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to take even just a small part in changing the course of the lives of these scholars, and that of their families,” the mayor said.
Frasco thanked the officials and members of the municipality, barangay, and purok for their hard work and support.
“I am grateful as well to my family and friends whose constant encouragement has continued to reaffirm in me the will to serve,” he said.
“My message to my fellow Liloanons, especially the youth, is that with hard work and determination, imparting change amidst challenges and difficulties is, indeed, possible. I ask for their continued support as we continue implementing our programs and projects to bring progress to our beloved Liloan,” Frasco added.
Screening
The search for TOYM awardees passed through a screening committee composed of TOYM honorees chaired by Rep. Paulino Salvador Leachon, who received the 2011 TOYM awardee for community development.
It was then evaluated by the board of judges headed by Philippine Daily Inquirer chairperson Marixi Prieto.