The city government of Bago, led by Mayor Mayette Javellana, held the 19th Gawad Bagonhon awarding ceremony Feb. 18 at the Manuel Y. Torres Memorial Coliseum and Cultural Center, as one highlight of Bago’s 60th Charter anniversary, on the theme “Better, Brighter Bago @ 60”.
The prestigious event honored outstanding Bagonhons, whose dedication, excellence, and selfless service continue to inspire and uplift the entire community.
In her keynote message, Javellana emphasized that the awards serve as a tribute to the integrity of the individuals, who make the city “better and brighter.”
“We honor excellence in all its forms, in sports, academics, science and technology, culture and the arts, faith and spiritual leadership, youth achievement, business and real property contributions,” she stressed. “We recognize our outstanding Bagonhons and our top taxpayers, individuals and corporations, whose dedication, integrity, and hard work continue to move Bago City forward.”
“When others speak of success, we speak of you, when others look for inspiration, we point to you,” Javellana said.
The outstanding Bagonhons include boxers Leo Mhar Lobrido, Flint Jara, and Clark Vicera, Jowash Saballero for kendo, Faith Arguelles for taekwondo, Divine Andrea Pablito for athletics, and the Bago City Softball Team, all for Sports Excellence.
For Academic and Licensure, the awardees are Engr. Ramonaliza Soyud and Le Antonette Valdez; for Youth Science & Technology, Ann Mariz Gabasa for Mathematics, and Dr. Mary Joy Garcia-Dia for Science and Technology; for Culture, Arts & Tourism, Indigenous Fashion: Jeremiah Gazo, Music and Performing Arts: Hillari Alison, and Tourism and Hospitality: April Ann Obando; for Religious and Spiritual, Most. Rev. Louie Galbines, Bishop of the Diocese of Kabankalan, and Bishop Emeritus Felomino Ang of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente; and for Posthumous Award in Sports Excellence, Manuel Araneta Jr.
The city also recognized several corporations as business awardees, including Distileria Bago Inc., JGC Philippines Inc., M & J Fabrication and Installation Inc., Negros Electric and Power Corporation, Ginebra San Miguel Inc., Mercury Drug Corporation, Golden Arches Development Corporation, Linde Philippines (South) Inc., Altertrade Philippines Inc., and BDO Unibank Inc.
There were also business awardees in single proprietorship, and real property, both corporation and single proprietorship, the city said.
Engr. Almario Senoro of Senoro Green Farm was guest speaker at the awarding ceremony also attended by councilors Joy Matti, Robert Javellana, Femmy Alvarez-Martir, Jorge Araneta, Imee Precion, and Dr. Leonilo Del Carmen, SK Federation president Julianae Lavadia, city department and office heads, and employees, among others. ||
