The 1st ‘Bayani Ka!’ award of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) recently cited Rene Fernando Trono, an indigenous peoples’ mandatory representative in the Sangguniang Bayan of Basay town in Negros Oriental.
Trono, 50, punong barangay of Cabatuanan and from the Bukidnon-Magahat tribe of Cabatuanan in Basay, was the regional winner for Indigenous Peoples’ Welfare during the 1st ‘Bayani Ka!’ Awards given by the DSWD-NIR in Bacolod City.
“Dako akong pasalamat sa Kalahi, kay kini, ang kumonidad mismo maempowered, kay kami mismo ga manage sa trabaho sa maong project…kami mismo ga identify sang project sa barangay (I am very much thankful for Kalahi as the community itself is empowered, and we ourselves manage the construction of the project… the community itself identifies the project in the barangay),” said Trono.
The ‘Bayani Ka!’ Awards is the highest recognition given by the DSWD under its Kalahi-CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) program to honor exceptional community volunteers and partners for their selflessness and dedication to community-driven development and poverty alleviation.
Trono ensures that the needs of his constituents are attended to and champions their access to basic services.
With this, he regularly liaised with government agencies to bring help to his barangay.
One of those agencies he approached was the Department of Agriculture for the 4Ks program, or the Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo, designed to uplift Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) and IPs through agricultural and fisheries livelihood opportunities.
Trono also convinced his fellow IPs to donate a small parcel of land via deed of usufruct for the construction of a classroom and a pathway so that their children could attend high school in their own community.
For six years, from 2010 to 2016) Trono served as punong barangay and barangay representation ream (BRT) in Kalahi-CIDSS, leading with a heart full of service and a vision for change.
Kalahi-CIDSS national program manager lawyer Bernadette Mapue-Joaquin stressed the critical role of community volunteers and partners in sustaining inclusive and participatory development efforts nationwide.
DSWD, meanwhile, recognized several volunteers and partners under the nine categories with its respective awardees, namely: gender and development – Oliver Ollete of Calatrava town; IP welfare volunteerism – Jane Nagor of Don Salvador Benedicto; disaster risk reduction/environmental protection – Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Lo-ok, Municipality of Calatrava; improved local governance – Barangay Pandanon, Municipality of Don Salvador Benedicto;
Operations and maintenance group – Pinowayan Integrated Social Forestry Farmers Association Inc., Municipality of Don Salvador Benedicto; exceptional youth volunteer special award, Chan Mark Cabillo of LGU Jimalalud; exceptional senior citizen volunteer special Award Alma Malusay, Vallehermoso; and exceptional person with disability volunteer special award Eva Refuella of Don Salvador Benedicto.
The DSWD-NIR also recognized the LGUs for their effective partnership in program implementation, including the municipalities of Vallehermoso, Basay, Jimalalud, and Tanjay City in Negros Oriental.
Institutional partners whose support strengthened program implementation were also awarded plaques of appreciation, including the Bureau of Fire Protection in Vallehermoso and Basay for their assistance amid water shortages, ensuring the continuous operation and timely completion of project activities; the Land Bank of the Philippines–Negros Oriental for its assistance in facilitating seamless financial transactions; and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Following the awarding, the Tatak Kalahi Award was turned over to the Municipality of Dauin and Barangay Baslay, recognizing their commitment to sustaining community-driven initiatives.
The event also marked the regional launching of Panahon ng Pagkilos, the next chapter in DSWD’s mission to empower communities. | PIA
