Bayaning Pilipino Awards 1997

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY

Norma Gohetia (National Winner)

• Angalan, Tugbok District, 8000 Davao City
• Region 11
• Deceased

Mrs. Norma Gohetia with her illness has able to relate and motivate her community very well.  Limited education (elementary graduate) is not a hindrance for her.  She manages to send her eight children to school.

Has able to address the need of basic community by the community by establishing a consumer store managed and owned by the Rural Improvement Club.  Simplicity of lifestyle is noticeable.

She helps the poverty alleviation program of the government by seeking financial assistance for income generating project for R.I.C.  Members and non members contributed in molding the youth of becoming a good citizen and Christian by teaching catechism.

As barangay health worker she has contributed in the decrease of malnutrition problem in the barangay thru Mothers Class.

In spite of having Parkinson’s disease, she is very much concerned with the community.  Doing everything she can for the welfare of other people, without expecting something in return.  She has been helping other people as long as she can since she was a small kid.

REGIONAL WINNERS

1. Dominador Rodulfo - Alicia, Isabela (Region 2)
2. Catalina Accatan - Kiangan, Ifugao (CAR)
3. Ernesto Aquino - Baguio City (CAR)
4. Lauro Manahan (Deceased) - Nueva Ecija, (Region 3)
5. Cirilo Pareja, Jr. - Calauag, Quezon (Region 4-A)
6. Nestor Joson - Masbate (Region 5)
7. Atty. Esperanza Valenzona - Cebu City (Region 7)
8. Precioso Tapitan (Deceased) - Midsalip, Zamboanga Del Sur (Region 9)
9.  Amado Noble - Talakag, Bukidnon (Region 10)
10. Nestor Carbonera - Kapatagan, Lanao Del Norte (Region 12)

FAMILY CATEGORY

Davide Family (National Winner)

• Cebu City
• Region 7

Armed only with an abiding and unshakable faith in God, Mr. & Mrs. Hilario Davide, Sr. and family steered COLAWIN to where its is now – a mountain barrio that can easily compare and complete with the facilities of any education institution in the cities of Cebu (Colawin Barangay High School and Colawin Library and Research Center).  He also initiated “tree planting activities” when forests were not yet denuded; he is fondly called “Undo Liso” for he believes that “a seed is both a promise and a fulfillment.”  The Davide’s were the ones who brought electricity and water to Colawin through the genius of Jose (eldest son).  Romulo and Jorge, both are now based in Los Banos, Laguna helped educated and train farmer-scientist who knows the latest technologies in dairy product processing/scientific farming.

Strong family bonding in the Davide family maybe evidenced by 6 hard bound letters of the children who studied in Manila in the 1960/70s; they still value “kissing of the hand” as symbol of love and respect for their elders.  Elder siblings were supportive of the education of younger siblings.

The couple’s conviction in God’s loving providence sustained them through all the years of struggle for their children to become aware of the value of education and respect for family life.  Their religiosity is manifested in the building of a chapel in Colawin.  Mr. Davide, Sr. always invites his family to pray every morning at 4:00 am.

Mr. & Mrs. Hilario Davide Sr., helped established Colawin Barangay High School, Colawin Library and Research Center, Colawin Livestock Cooperative for the poor people in Colawin. 

The Davide family founded the Colawin education Foundation, Inc. which seeks to provide assistance and support for the studies of selected students as well as attendance at scientific seminars, workshops and conferences.

One of Mr. Davide’s sons Mr. Romulo Davide spearheaded the Farmers Scientist Training and the son’s spouse Lara managed the Milk Processing and Production.

The family is deeply committed to the community development – role model to Filipinos in terms of professionalism, leadership, nobility and strength of character – all for the development of poor families in Colawin.

INSTITUTION CATEGORY

Besao Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Inc. (National Winner)

• Besao, Mt. Province
• Cordillera Autonomous Region

The Cooperative was established in 1969 primarily to foster and promote a cooperative among people of limited means where there is unity, social justice, and sustainable economic development.  They started with 25 members and an initial capital of P50.00.  At present, they are considered as one of the few millionaire cooperatives in CAR.  How they were able to progress phenomenally starting from a rather meager capital is indeed amazing.

Besao is a remote municipality located in Mt. Province.  The formation of the cooperative was able to unite the 14 barangays in the municipality.  Their office became the center for socialization and investment in their area.  Support from the members is visible in their constant attendance to general assemblies where they opt to walk for three to five hours just to reach the assembly areas.  They were able to promote solidarity even with the helmeted areas.  Life is greatly improved through their livelihood projects that they are now able to send their children to school.  Even the adults have the chance to educate themselves through the coop’s Adult & Literacy Program.

Aside from poverty alleviation, they also go out of their way to give donations to disastrous calamity victims.  They also give mortuary aids and capital assistance to their members.

These improvements would not have been possible without the cooperation and sense of volunteerism of its leaders and members.  With joint efforts of the cooperative officers, staff and education committee members zonal membership education seminars were launched which triggered the interest of the members and more others who were interested  Through continuous education and trainings attended by all the officers and members the cooperative is growing in membership, capital, savings, and in assets.

Their sheer determination and the full cooperation of its members paved the way for their success thus their lives are now greatly improved.  It would be very good for our economy if noble institutions like them proliferate in our country.  We will not be helping our livelihood we will also be fostering better brotherhood and communion among ourselves.

REGIONAL WINNERS

1. Order of St. Francis Assistance Community Center  - Baybay, Leyte (Region 8)
2. Kasiglahan Foundation, Inc. - Maguindanao, Cotabato City (ARMM)