BACOLOD City Banwahanon Awards Committee launched “Ang Banwahanon Awards 2018” at the Bacolod Government Center as part of Bacolod City 80th Founding Anniversary celebration.
Maria Rosario Sola, vice chairman of the Banwahanon Committee, said yesterday the nomination for “Ang Banwahanon Awards” is now open, adding that any non-government organizations, schools, churches, and barangays can nominate Bacolodnons who meet the qualifications.
She said “Ang Banwahanon Awards” is a search for the most outstanding Bacolodnon who have made impact for services rendered to the residents of Bacolod or the community which have immensely contributed to the economic, cultural, sports, social, moral or education development of the city or that the exemplary and selfless service achievements of the nominee shall serve as an inspiration and a model worthy of emulation by the residents of Bacolod in particular, and the country in general.
The “Banwahanon” is the highest award given by the City of Bacolod to its citizens.
The nominee should be a Filipino citizen and of good moral character; of known probity and integrity; an actual resident of Bacolod for at least 10 years; the nominee must come from the private sector; was not a recipient or awardee of previous “Ang Banwahanon Award,” and he or she must be willing to be of service to the community or city when called upon.
In 2017, Banwahanon awardees were Simplicio “Sammy” Palanca, founder of the 250 hectares Bredco Reclamation Project; Conchito Sicangco, philanthropist and founder of the famous Bob’s Restaurant chain; architect Armando Guevarra, who organized and empowered Bacolod painters; and former Judge Franklin Demoteverde, who is known for his free legal assistance program.
Dr. Johanna Bayoneta, Banwahanon secretariat, said “Ang Banwahanon” previously had a different name, “Ang Bacolodnon.” This was started in 1974 and had been established through City Ordinance 494 in 2009.
“The purpose of this (Banwahanon Awards) is to recognize the outstanding citizens of Bacolod,” she said.
She added that Bacolod had already awarded a total of 149 most outstanding citizens of the city.
Bayoneta noted there were some years that had no awardees.
Nomination forms are available at the Bacolod Business Development and Promotion Center, Public Information Office at the Government Center or at the Bacolod City College in Barangay Taculing.
Deadline for the submission of the nomination form is on May 21 and the awarding ceremony will be on June 18.