Bayaning Pilipino Awards 1999

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY

Mercedes Castro (National Winner)

• Cubao, Quezon City
• NCR
• Deceased

This year's awardee for the ABS-CBN Bayaning Pilipino Individual Category is no ordinary grandmother, for Mrs. Mercedes Castro is a 71-year old advocate for the urban poor sector, thus earning the nickname "Ka Merced."

A native of Catanduanes, she fled to Manila with her husband in search for a better future when she was only 19. Unfortunately, she was abandoned by her husband a few years later. Left with a child to take care of, she was forced to take on odd jobs where she became a victim of inequality and unjust labor practices herself.

Having been forced out of job unceremoniously, Ka Merced sued the company from whom she eventually won the case from. Not long after Ka Merced met an activist nun who opened her eyes to the injustices and the abuses being committed against the peop.during the Marcos era. Since then, she has devoted her life to thtilpliftment of the rights of the working class.

A veteran of protest rallies and lobbying, Ka Merced's early endeavors included the implementation of the Urban Development and Housing Act in 1992, as well as the abolishment ofPD 772 on the rights of the urban poor groups.

At present, Ka Merced is the Internal Vice Chairperson of the Urban Land Reform Task Force and the Chairperson of the party list group A.K.O. She also actively shuttles to San Mateo, Rizal and to Cubao where she has organized an urban poor community which Ka Merced aims to help by sharing with them the fruits of her labor. It should come to no surprise then that even at her age, Ka Merced still has the energy and the determination to help those like her.

The ABS CBN Bayaning Pilipino Awards is truly pleased to honor her for her exemplary courage and devotion to her fellow Filipinos.

Oscar Santos (Special Award)

• Quezon, Province
• Region 4-A

The ABS CBN Bayaning Pilipino sa Taon ng Sentenaryo Special Awardee is a man with purpose. Oscar F. Santos, the former assemblyman, congressman and esteemed former government official, is a staunch advocate for our farmers' rights whose life has been and still is being dedicated to championing the common man earning him the nickname "Ka Oca."

As a young lawyer, he had won several pro bono cases for fishermen, farmers, women, and students among others. The most celebrated of which had been in 1967 when a number of medical students sought his help when they were accused of cheating during their board exam. And because ofKa Oca, 1,051 out of 1,600 students passed.

The Whiteclifflandgrabbing case, was his next big case was able to save 434 families from losing their lands. From this, Ka Oca never required any fees to be paid except for the regular ration of products such as garlic and other vegetables that are brought to his house up to now.

At present, Ka Oca busies himself in spearheading the Galing Pook Foundation oftheAsian Institute of Management where he continues to serve the least of his fellow men.

A man such as our ABS-CBN Bayaning Pilipino Special Awardee is a gift not only to his community but to his country as well.

REGIONAL WINNERS

1. Eufemio Basuel - Alicia, Isabela (Region 2)
2. Melchor Batalla - Cordon, Isabela (Region 2)
3. Atty. Evelyn Dunuan - Kiangan, Ifugao (CAR)
4. Dr. Oscar Sanchez - Balanga, Bataan (Region 3)
5. Mayo Jose Jalla (Deceased) - Lucena City (Region 4-A)
6.  Irene Ortigas - Janiuay, Iloilo (Region 6)
7. Cesar Diez - Tagbilaran City, Bohol (Region 7)
8. Allan Quitoriano - Initao, Misamis Oriental (Region 10)
9. Rosalita Nunez - General Santos City, South Cotabato (Region 11)
10.  Tripona Interone - Linamon, Lanao Del Norte (Region 12)

FAMILY CATEGORY

Cericos Family (National Winner)

• Hinulugang Taktak, Antipolo City
• Region 4-A

Extraordinary. Gifted. Special. Three words that describe the family of Pearl and Bobby, Aida, Carol, Bernie, Abe, Rocelle, Zeny, Joel, Violy and Pinky.

The Cericos Family as they are collectively known" is composed of ten children, six of whom are in wheelchairs and all except one have either been born or afflicted with illness which have rendered them handicapped.

A visit to the Cericos home though would shame even the bravest and strongest among us, for instead of finding "disabled" people, one finds a group of individuals going about their activities with the same or even greater vigor and vitality from that of a "healthy" person. There are young women conducting cooking workshops on how to prepare tapa and tocino, young men making beautiful music as one plays the piano and sings while the other the guitar, and an impressionable guy in a wheelchair guiding and teaching his students the rudiments of pastel painting.

In spite of the fact that only one of them is the biological child of Bobby and Pearl Cericos, the love and the bond that bind them together is unmistakably genuine. It comes as no surprise then that they are the very people from whom most of the so-called "outcasts" of society seek refuge to. With Mom Pearl, a psychologist at the helm they also counsel and help others rebuild their lives with their "Back to Basics" Seminars.

The ABS-CBN Bayaning Pilipinong Pamilya sa Taon ng Sentenaryo award is truly a fitting tribute to today's model family.

REGIONAL WINNERS

1. Daoas Family - Sagada, Mt. Province (CAR)

INSTITUTION CATEGORY

Zanjera de Ganagan Incorporada (National Winner)

• Ganagan, Ilocos Norte
• Region 1

It is believed that the Zanjera de Ganagan was founded during the 17th Century by our native ancestors. Established primarily for the preservation and cultivation of our agricultural lands, one of the group's achievements was the introduction of a central watering system which made use of the Bacarra River, which helped a lot of farmers during that time. Consequently, it was through the group's unwavering efforts that the people were able to sow and till the lands that has paved the way for a better life for each of the farmers.

At present, the Zanjera is composed of over 200 members all of whom are farmers and land-owners. Needless to say, the watering system which the group has pioneered still continue to nourish the lands of not only Bacarra, but also of Laoag City.

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The list of developments brought about by the Zanjera to its community is endless. Farmers are given their own lands to plant on, thus more of their children get the opportunity for education. And life has never been better in Bacarra where they now enjoy abundant and peaceful lives.

The success story of Zanjera de Ganagan Incorporada does not end where their predecessors began, for it is in the strong bond camaraderie which members share where the secret lies.

It is but fitting to bestow the honor of being the ABS-CBN Bayaning Samahang Pilipino sa Taon ng Sentenaryo to a group of people who have chosen to continue the values and mission of our forefathers.

REGIONAL WINNERS

1. Kiangan Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative  - Kiangan, Ifugao (CAR)
2. The Tapayan Club - Paombong, Bulacan (Region 3)
3. Milagrosa Parents Association, Inc. - Lucena City (Region 4-A)
4. St. Vincent Parish Multi-Purpose Cooperative - Romblon, Romblon (Region 4-B)
5. Tongonan Farmers Association (TOFAS) - Ormoc City, Leyte (Region 8)