INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY
Erlinda Cabañal (National Winner)
- Iligan City
- Region 12
The most successful people are thought
to be born with a silver spoon in their mouths. But challenging that perception
is Erlinda M. Cabana!. Struggling as a working scholar just to finish her
education degree, the closest she has ever come to acquiring the proverbial
silver spoon is perhaps, when she made the decision to dedicate her life to
feeding the minds of the young.
As part of a Catholic mission that looks
after the indigenous peoples, Ma'am Didang has been educating the B'laans, an
ethnic group in the T'murok mountains of the Sarangani Province
Exhibiting qualities characteristic of a
true leader, she painstakingly learnt the B'laan language and completely
immersed herself in their culture, at once winning their trust and admiration.
She developed a literacy program that seeks to teach the natives how to read,
count and write so they may not fall prey to shady entrepreneurs in the city
who brazenly profit from their ignorance. She trains the women in first aid,
teaching them the basics of cultivating and u.~ing medicinal plants, a skill
that prove quite useful for saving precious lives that could have otherwise
perished with the nearest hospital situated miles away from T'murok. Instilling
self-worth, Ma'am Didang holds seminars on cooperatives, effectively guiding
the B'laans in the creation of their very own sari-sari store, which now
contributes significantly to their modest economy.
Displaying bravery worthy of a genuine
hero, Ma'am Didang valiantly negotiated with separatist groups, convincing the
NPAs and the Muslim renegades to desert the mountains so as not to endanger the
lives of the tribe's people. Indeed, her modesty and great respect for others
command instant reverence from those she interacts with.
Selfless, committed and zealous in her
vocation, Erlinda Cabanal has created such a positive impact to the B'laans,
making them such productive members of the society. Apparently, she does not
need a silver spoon to succeed. Her golden heart is more than enough.
Bienvenida Tacang (Special Award)
- Plaridiel, Misamis Occidental
- Region 10
- Deceased
Bravely criticizing the negligence of politicians who showed disinterest on the project, Nanay Nida almost singlehandedly brought about a tremendous improvement in the economy of the Danaoans to whom a meal a day used to be an utmost luxury. With the sea-life returning steadily to the swamps, the town’s future can never be surer.
Juliana Ciervo (National Finalist)
- Manabo, Abra
- Cordillera Autonomous Region
Despite difficulties, Aling Juling and her husband, Manong Berto, have also been able to send their four children to school with three of them finishing degrees in Political Science, Education and Crimininology and the youngest still in college.
Unrelenting in her cause, her commitment is truly extraordinary, a generous soul who makes life a little bit easier for those who are in need.
Alejandria Dacquel (National Finalist)
- Sampaloc, Manila
- NCR
Her efforts were clearly not in vain. For the last thirty-four years, Kandra, as she is widely known, has diligently taught the word of God to people, young and old, offering comfort to the forlorn and hope to the downtrodden.
She regularly teaches catechism in two schools, Legarda and Mabini Elementary, and spends most of her free time tutoring the children around the streets of Quiapo while providing enlightenment to the confused and aid to the needy. Even now at 51, Kandra unceasingly improves her knowledge to share with others. She is currently finishing an Education degree at Sta. Isabel College and has plans of pursuing higher studies at De La Salle University. Alejandra Dacquel's unwavering faith in herself and trust in the goodness of God surely inspires others chase after their dreams however impossible the odds may be.
Guadalupe Baring (National Finalist)
- Cebu City
- Region 7
- Deceased
Where most people would give up, Guadalupe Baring would patiently work on. Her trust in the goodness of others got her involved with the Bagong Buhay Rehabilitation Center under the Share a Child Movement in Cebu, where she has taught young people who are in conflict with the law, for the last ten years.
Indeed, it requires courage and dedication to undertake a task that has her regularly visiting a prison facility. Unmindful of the dangers however, she patiently works with the young delinquents. Never reproachful, she strives to reform them, inculcating within them good moral values and practical knowledge instrumental to building self-worth and sufficiency. Eternally devoted, she shares whatever material possessions she has, often using her own money to buy her students basic necessities like soap or toothpaste, which are frequently lacking in the prisons. She has become a loving mother and a dedicated mentor, a believer who desires a good future for the young offenders whom she looks after. By not giving up on people and not judging them however errant they may have been, she has become a conduit of God's love and mercy, consistently reassuring to those who need it the most.
Indeed, it requires courage and dedication to undertake a task that has her regularly visiting a prison facility. Unmindful of the dangers however, she patiently works with the young delinquents. Never reproachful, she strives to reform them, inculcating within them good moral values and practical knowledge instrumental to building self-worth and sufficiency. Eternally devoted, she shares whatever material possessions she has, often using her own money to buy her students basic necessities like soap or toothpaste, which are frequently lacking in the prisons. She has become a loving mother and a dedicated mentor, a believer who desires a good future for the young offenders whom she looks after. By not giving up on people and not judging them however errant they may have been, she has become a conduit of God's love and mercy, consistently reassuring to those who need it the most.
Emeterio Abellanida, Sr. (National Finalist)
- Laak Laak, Compostela Valley
- Region 11
Education may be the most important tool necessary for success but Emeterio Abellanida, Sr. is a living exemplar of how one may succeed despite the odds. Although he graduated at the top of his elementary class, Mang Metring had to stop schooling to help support the family's needs. Inherently bright however, his lack of education did not get in the way of his goals. He merited a grant from the government for a goat-raising project that still thrives years after others failed to flourish. It is this natural flair for business that financed all of his nine children through college all of who obtained their respective degrees. The family has in fact been awarded the Huwarang Pamilyang Filipino distinction in the search conducted by the Provincial Governments of Compostela Valley in 2002.
Always generous, Mang Metring holds free taining in goat raising and bamboo planting for his neighbors, even providing them with the capital to start a business through a cooperative, which he also founded. Strong-minded, regarded for his integrity and always ready to help, Mang Metring exemplifies leadership of the highest standards. Misfortunes do not face him. Instead, they strengthen him towards accomplishing seemingly unachievable goals.
Always generous, Mang Metring holds free taining in goat raising and bamboo planting for his neighbors, even providing them with the capital to start a business through a cooperative, which he also founded. Strong-minded, regarded for his integrity and always ready to help, Mang Metring exemplifies leadership of the highest standards. Misfortunes do not face him. Instead, they strengthen him towards accomplishing seemingly unachievable goals.
REGIONAL WINNERS
- Lydia Buendia - U.P. Village, Q.C. (NCR)
- Gliceria Ramiro - Bacarra, Ilocos Norte (Region 1)
- Leticia Hernandez - Burgos, Quezon (Region 4-A)
- Danilo Lira Gonzales - Brookes Point, Palawan (Region 4-B)
- Edmundo Roxas - Bataraza, Palawan (Region 4-B)
- Napoleon Arevalo - Donsol, Sorsogon (Region 5)
- Dr. Placer Yu-Cubias - Burabod, Sorsogon City (Region 5)
- Remegio Ayupan, Sr. - Bacolod City (Region 6)
- Samuel Trocio, Sr. - Cebu City (Region 7)
- Norma Deiparine - Mailag, Valencia City (Region 10)
TEACHER CATEGORY
Onofre Pagsanghan (National Winner)
- Loyola Heights, Q.C.
- NCR
After more than 50 years of teaching at
the Ateneo de Maflija High School, Sir Pagsi, as Mr. Onofre Pagsanghan is
called, still touches the minds and hearts of young people. At 75 years old, he
continues to wholeheartedly share himself by sincerely loving his calling and
living his faith.
Aside from being one of the most
respected instructors to ever teach in Ateneo, this man of devotion and
commitment is also credited with the organization of Dulaang Sibol, the
school's theatrical group, in 1966. A high school theatre with a professional
polish, Dulaang Sibol, through its exemplary productions, has gained national
recognitiQC1 unter his skillful direction. With his guidance and inspiration,
his students were able to write plays in Filipino, which renowned critics
Alfredo Roces and Bien Lumbera noted as "the first important breakthrough
for the national language" and "a seminal force in the development of
Pilipino playwriting", respectively. He has likewise pioneered musical
competitions to stimulate greater creativity in and love for the national
language.
Showing great passion for and compassion
through his work, he founded a free tutorial school, which he called Sibol
Hesus. Courses in English, Math, Public Speaking, Visual Arts and Voice are
taught to less fortunate public high school students by Ateneo volunteers who
support Sir Pagsi's vision of sharing God's grace to all men. To date, Sibol
Hesus has centers in Balara, Camp
Aguinaldo
A well-respected individual in his
discipline, Sir Pagsi's numerous awards and recognitions are testaments to his
contributions to the Philippine society in the field of Secondary Education.
Truly, his legacy of touching people's lives in many different ways for more
than half a century is a clear manifestation of how a life dedicated to serving
others can be fulfilling, rewarding and inspirational all at the same time.
Artemon I. Calaustro (National Finalist)
- Vintar, Ilocos Norte
- Region 1
A dreamer and a doer, Mr. Artemon I. Calaustro of Vintar, Ilocos Norte is the epitome of a model teacher. As the first and only computer instructor of F. Camiguin Elementary School and the whole district of Vintar II, he conducts training classes for teachers and pupils on weekends for nothing more than minimal costs to help pay the electric bills.
His insatiable quest for knowledge inspires him to steadily scale greater heights. He has initiated research projects for the school's science club that developed critical thinking, self-reliance and productivity among students, most of which garnered distinction in academic competitions. A true crusader of the environment, he also inspired the Young Scientist and the Environmental Watchers Clubs to undertake an exiting ecological management project, "Adopt a Farmland," where the club members learned techniques in mango, tilapia and vegetable production. A man of various talents and skills, he perseveres in enriching his cultural heritage by performing in cultural troupes and presiding the Vintar Children's rondalla that brought fame and honor to the municipality of Vintar.
An exemplar of humility, diligence, competence and integrity, Mr. Calaustro never gets tired of upholding the welfare of his students and colleagues.
Evelyn Caja (National Finalist)
- Parañaque
- NCR
As a SPED teacher for thirty-two years, Ms. Evelyn Caja of Ramon Magsaysay High School has unselfishly committed herself to the service of the blind. Her skill in dealing with them, her loving patience and kind understanding of their plight encourage them to live normal lives and enjoy the beauty of the world, in spite of their incapacity to see. Roselle Ambubuyog, Summa Cum Laude and Valedictorian of Ateneo de Manila University's Class of 2000, is one proof of how successful Ms. Caja had been. This Metrobank Outstanding Teacher Awardee inspires her students to truly believe in themselves, enough to make them achieve their goals. Her compassion is not limited to her students alone as she lobbies for well-deserved pay increases and other work benefits for canteen workers, so they may live decent lives. She is also instrumental in the advancement of her colleagues, constantly holding training programs and seminars for them.
Ms. Evelyn Caja has undoubtedly contributed to the betterment of the society by enabling her blind students to become productive members and has truly made a difference by protecting the interest of others.
Sol D. Penuela (National Finalist)
- Iloilo City
- Region 6
An ideal teacher and passionate leader, Professor Sol Penuela of UP High School Iloilo is a catalyst of change in her profession. Determined to popularize the use of Filipino in campus, she translated the school's orientation and graduation programs in the language, had students post salawikain, nuggets of Filipino wisdom, on trees around campus and initiated cultural activities that developed into yearly competitions held during the Buwan ng Wika celebrations. Professor Penuela constantly finds ways to come up with innovative techniques and strategies in teaching the Filipino subject as she unselfishly shares her insights with fellow teachers through seminars and workshops. Her exemplary contributions have earned her accolades that motivate her to continually exceed expectations.
Possessing a deep concern for the needy, she had been instrumental in securing scholarships for six promising individuals and spearheaded a rummage sale in 1990-1991, with the proceeds donated to the victims of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption.
An inspiration to her students and to the community, Professor Penuela does not simply give lectures, she shows how a job should be done - with selfless devotion, dedication and compassion.
Possessing a deep concern for the needy, she had been instrumental in securing scholarships for six promising individuals and spearheaded a rummage sale in 1990-1991, with the proceeds donated to the victims of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption.
An inspiration to her students and to the community, Professor Penuela does not simply give lectures, she shows how a job should be done - with selfless devotion, dedication and compassion.
Rhodora Tadena (National Finalist)
- Tagbilaran City, Bohol
- Region 7
Well-decorated in her field, Mrs. Tadena never lets setbacks hinder her from achieving her goals. When resources are scarce, she looks for ways to remedy the problem. With perseverance and help from government and non-government organizations, she was able to acquire sewing and baking equipment for livelihood projects intended for students who cannot pursue a college degree.
An active member of the Tagbilaran Women's Club, Mrs. Tadena also advocates women's rights and addresses women-relevant issues. With her selfless dedication of herself to the community, she has become an instrument that makes a worthy difference in the lives of people.
FAMILY CATEGORY
- Brooke's Point, Palawan
- Region 4-B
Faithfully following Christ's teachings
of loving and serving thy neighbors has made the Villapa Family devout servants
of the Brook's Point, Palawan Community. Headed by Juan, a farmer and a
barangay leader, the Villa pas have always made the Palawerios a priority in
whatever they do. As a leader, Juan coordinates with the local government to
unify the community, Imulnod with the main towns of Brook's Point. Through his
efforts, the town has become a regu1Rr beneficiary of the education, health and
livelihood assistance programs of thE1'World Vision Philippines
The eldest, Veronica, is a nurse in
lIocos while the youngest is a nurse in Palawan .
Both women are known to practice their profession especially for the welfare of
the indigenous people. Josielyro, a practicing midwife constantly finds ways to
provide livelihood for the families of Imulnod. She and her husband started a
plantation project where they employed the services of their neighbors. Merlie
is a DENR employee who educates and assists the natives on getting land titles
for their properties, on the side. The only son, Jerry, is a forest ranger who
actively campaigns and conducts training on environmental protection.
Though the Villa pas are not quite
financially blessed, they selflessly offered their piece of land for use as a
demo-farm that paved the way for the barangay to become the number one lakatan
and copra producer in Palawan . They are not only
active in social service; they are also involved in religious activities and as
such are well respected by their neighbors.
Through their sincere service to the
community, the Villapa Family put into practice what they truly hold in their
heart - genuine love for family, neighbors and most specially Christ who once
said, "Love thy neighbors as you love Me."
Dumag Family (National Finalist)
- Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur
- Region 1
Servants by heart, heroism is clearly in the blood of the Dumag family with Dr. Pedro serving in the frontline of the country's defense and Mrs. Guadalupe doing espionage work for the local military during the Second World War. Now in their seventies, they are still productive members of the society. Dr. Pedro, a retired government Veterinarian, has continually educated people in animal farming and veterinary research, imparting such useful information instrumental to the development of the town's livelihood. Milagros, a retired government officer, is a school principal in Vigan, a position she assumed upon the request of the town's bishop.
Brought up in a very religious environment, the five Dumag sons, three of whom entered the seminary with one fully trudging the path to priesthood, and a solitary daughter serve as role models to the town's youngsters avoid its evils. Through their efforts, Vigan has been virtually drug-free.
What runs in the hearts and veins of the Dumag fmaily is but one and the same - a true desire towards service to their fellowmen.
Antiquera Family (National Finalist)
- Legazpi City
- Region 5
Role models to their community, the Antiqueras, headed by Ernesto and Corazon, have saved marriages and families from breaking up by leading them to the Christian way of life. A banker by profession, Mang Erning gave up a steady source of income to serve others while Cora still works as a public school teacher. Blessed with three children, they molded their young to be responsible members of the community. Noel and Noemi, the eldest and youngest, are very active in the Christian Life Program of the Couples for Christ and Singles for Christ respectively, while the middle child, Rev. Fr. Rommel, serves Legazpi City's Christian community. The family's devotion to their faith and dedication to their mission are truly extraordinary. They put up a reading center, now known as the town information center at Barriada, Leagazpi City. When Mt. Mayo erupted leaving many victims in its wake, the Antiqueras donated goods and services to the evauees despite having been victims themselves.
A friend, a negihbor or even a stanger in need would always feel comfortably at home with the Antiqueras. Their charity knows no bounds. For them, every one is a member of a special family, their family in Christ.
INSTITUTION CATEGORY
Esperanza Multi-Purpose Cooperative (National Winner)
- Aurora, Isabela
- Region 2
Barely a year after the
"cooperative" was introduced to a handful of Esperanza East barangay
officials, the Esperanza Multipurpose Cooperative, Inc. (MPCI) was form~
incorporated. Twelve years later, the Esperanza MCPI has more than twenty citations from the most respected organizations, including the coveted Most
Outstanding Cooperative in Region II in its roster of achievements. But life
has not always been that simple for Esperanza East. As a small community six
kilometers off the town of Aurora
Described as a vibrant, responsive and
humane cooperative, Esperanza MCPl's main thrust is to alleviate the plight of
farmers in their district who most often find themselves being taken advantage
of by big companies. Furthermore, the cooperative also aims to empower their
community to be self-sufficient thru its many programs and endeavors that are
geared primarily to meet all the needs of its members and their neighbors.
With Esperanza MCPI projects now ranging
from offering provident and emergency loans, trading agricultural products at
affordable prices, running a consumer store that is open to all, providing an
accessible gasoline station and sponsoring the education of indigent but
deserving students, just to name a few; the quality of lives not only of its
members but also of all the residents in their community has greatly improved.
Most importantly, through the combined efforts of the group's members, they
have ensured a good and stable future for their children and their children's
children as well.
With a foolproof concept and a band of
big-hearted and innovative individuals, it comes to no surprise then that
Esperanza MCPI has also earned the accolades and respect of its peers. A
cooperative that abides by cooperative laws and policies, as much as it stands,
as a beacon of self-discipline,
self-reliance and selflessness, Esperanza MCPI is a shining example of how big things can come from small
beginnings. GENY LOPEZ JR.
St. Jude Multi-Purpose Cooperative (National Finalist)
- Lucena City
- Region 4-A
Agape Rural (Health) Program, Inc. (National Finalist)
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
- Region 4-B
Combining the healing ability of science thru medicine and the therapeutic power of genuine faith in Christ, the Agape Rural Program (ARP) was launched by the Rural Medical Ministry of the Campus Crusade for Christ in the Philippines to bring a spark of hope to the majority or our rural municipalities who have little or no access at all to health care services and facilities. Having started with only seven volunteer doctors assigned in Palawan and Leyte, ARP now has over ninety health professionals attending to the needy and undeserved sectors in Cagayan, Nueva Ecija, Aurora and Samar. Among ARP's many community projects are medical and dental missions, short-term medical missions in cooperation with other NGOs to China and Nepal, nutrition programs, vegetable and herbal gardening, tutorial classes for children, health trainings, sanitary toilet construction, construction of potable water supply and malaria control programs in various areas in Plawan. Clearly, the ARP is one group that is truly of service to the needy.
Bicol Small Business Institute Foundation, Inc. (National Finalist)
- Legazpi City
- Region 5
Baslay Farmers Association (National Finalist)
- Dauin, Negros Occidental
- Region 6
From kaingeros to being nature's staunch defenders, the Baslay Farmers Association (BFA) of Dumaguete has definitely gone a long way since their early "slash and burn" days. It was in 1984 when workers of the PNOC Energy Development Corporation came to Dauin, Dumaguete to convince the local farmers to abandon their destructive practices and adhere to forest laws and regulations. Fortunately, the BFA took up the challenge and has been engaged not only in environment-friendly activities, but has also become stewards of Dumaguete's forests definitely not an ordinary feat for a community whose main livelihood was rooted in kaingin. Furthermore, because of the group's strong spirit of volunteerism, cooperation and perseverance, their community has bee a beneficiary of a social forestry project sponsored by the government of New Zealand. Since then, the BFA has already established 123 hectares of various plantations and nine sustainable livelihood projects. Overall, the BFA is credited not only rehabilitating the forests but more importantly, with paving the way for Baslay's development and progress as a community.
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