Institutions and individuals who contributed to the success of the City Government’s programs took centerstage in the Cebu City Government’s 124th Philippine Independence Day Awards Night and Ball at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
A total of 23 awardees — 12 from the public sector and 11 from the private sector — received plaques of recognition from the City led by Mayor Michael Rama and Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros.
In his message, Mayor Rama highlighted the importance of the collaboration between the City Government and the private sector for Cebu City to reach greater heights.
“I can guarantee that we will be together in bringing Cebu City to be a globally competitive, highly urbanized, smart city, environmentally friendly, and disaster resilient,” he said.
“I need you. We need you. I cannot do it alone. And I cannot soar high alone. You are the wind beneath my wings,” he added.
Among the awardees from the public sector were outgoing Councilors Lea Japson, Eugenio Gabuya, Jr., David Tumulak, Alvin Dizon, and Prisca Niña Mabatid.
Officials and employees also recognized were Hon. Jocelyn Pesquera, Guillermo Viola, Julius Angel, Roberto Varquez, and former Department of Interior and Local Government-Cebu City Director Atty. Ian Kenneth Lucero.
The Local School Board (LSB) and the City Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Team (CESET) were the two public offices awarded.
In his welcome address, Vice Mayor Hontiveros said the City Government is both grateful for and inspired by the numerous contributions of the different sectors to the City Government.
“This evening, as we celebrate our 124th Philippine Independence Day, it is but fitting that we also celebrate the numerous contributions of the men and women who have impacted our great city and brought it to the higher echelons of our modern day society,” he said.
For the private sector, awardees included institutions and groups that helped the City in its vaccination program and rehabilitation efforts after super typhoon Odette.
These were the Cebu Contractors Association, Shopwise, Iconique Mall, All-terrain Medical Relief Organization (AMRO), the Archdiocese of Cebu, and Engr. Wilhelm Go.
Also awarded were Cebuanos who represented the Philippines in the dance sports competitions during the 31st Southeast Asian Games 2022. They were Wilbert Aunzo and Pearl Marie Cañeda; Michael Angelo Marquez and Stephanie Sabalo De Leon; Sean Aranar and Ana Nualla; and Mark Gayon and Mary Renigen.
Rounding up the awardees was singer, composer, and entrepreneur Maybelle Padillo, who was recognized for bringing pride to the city as a successful Cebuano artist.
In her response on behalf of the awardees, Padillo said she is grateful to Mayor Rama and the rest of the City Government officials for the work that they do for the city.
“I am very proud to see you, Mayor Mike. Inubanan sa atong mga pinalanggang mga public officials. You all have shown us the willingness to do the things necessary to transform vision to reality. You are all an inspiration,” she said.
“Daghang salamat for recognizing our efforts to empower us to continue working together for a greater Cebu. For together, we can make great things happen,” she added.
To cap the Awards Night and Ball, City Government department heads led by Mayor Rama himself and his wife Malou performed a Rigodon Dance. (Cebu City News & Information)
