INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY
Soledad Donato Katy (National Winner)
- Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija
- Region 3
One's status in life is no hindrance to
his or her capacity to help. Soledad
Donato Katy lives by this belief. This mother of seven has spent years of her life
helping others especially those who belong to a group of indigenous people in
her province.
A well-respected community organizer, a
devoted catechist and a barangay health worker, Manang Sol, as the members of
her community call her, never ceases to look for opportunities to help the
indigenous people of Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija. Because she has a genuine
passion to help, aside from teaching catechism, she grabs every opportunity to
attend seminars on agrarian reform and livelihood programs and diligently
trains to be a health worker.
Equipped with her knowledge in alternative
medicines. Manang Sol continues to visit
far-flung areas to aid those who are sick. She also teaches indigenous people
about the agrarian reform and livelihood programs to uplift their lives. It is
no surprise that she has become an important member of the community because
she serves as a link between the indegenous people and institutions such as the
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). Depanment of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) and the Church.
Manang Sol is never ashamed of the fact
that she was able to finish elementary school. She is aware that her knowledge
goes beyond what any school or university can impart. More than what the text
books teach us, she has learned the value of helping her fellowmen. She has
inspired people to make the best out of their lives. Most imponantly, she
continues to have great love and concern for her kababayans … a virtue worth
emulating and making her deserving of the title - HERO.
Euteqia N. Caber (Special Awardee)
- Calbayog City, Western Samar
- Region 8
At present, Lola Tiks works as a regular volunteer for the Commission on Health Care in the Diocese of Calbayog. Rain or shine, she constantly visits and monitors the health condition of people from five barangays in remote areas of the province. Not only is she able to give medical care through alternative medicine to hundreds of people, Lola Tiks also serves as a connection for these people to get the medical attention that their community needs.
Helping others is a lifetime commitment for Loa Tiks, but this commitment is destined to last beyond her lifetime because she continuously serves as an inspiration to other volunteers who think highly of her heroic deeds.
Ramon Grimaldo (National Finalist)
- Atimonan, Quezon
- Region 4-A
Each one of us has a purpose in life, something we stand for and believe in. For Ramon Grimaldo, protecting the ocean is his life's calling. Dedicated in protecting and taking care of the source of livelihood of many people, Ka Ramon is the man behind Bantay Dagat. He leads his co-fishermen in Pantabangan, Quezon in guarding and defending one of the many gifts of nature.
In fulfilling his mission of protecting the ocean, Ka Ramon constantly encounters perils that come with his job. More than once, he received death threats and faced intimidation from commercial fishers. These did not scare, much less stop him from doing what he believed in. He knew that by protecting the ocean, he is not only looking after nature but also the lives of thousands who depend on the ocean as a source of livelihood.
Ka Ramon is known to his fellow fishermen as an honorable and honest person who selflessly works for the good of others. He has a heart as big as the ocean and principle stronger than its waves.
Armando Edrozo, Sr. (National Finalist)
- Iligan City
- Region 10
Serving for the greater good of others may make a person a public servant. But a public servant who goes beyond his call of duty can be considered a hero. this is true with Armando Edrozo, a simple man who is devoted to helping his fellowmen.
In a time when honesty and integrity is hard to find in public institutions, Armando emerges as a very good example of a trustworthy public servant. He worked for 20 years as a casual employee for the government and is a respected leader of diferent rescue operation programs.
Undaunted by the risks that come with being a rescue worker and a fire fighter, he remains an ardent volunteer in various rescue operations. Where help is needed, Armando is sure to be near. These qualities have won him the respect and admiration of many who can only aspire to be what he has become ... a true hero.
Ma. Corazon Tensuan (National Finalist)
- Pasay City
- NCR
For Ma. Corazon Tensuan, wealth comes from the contentment in helping others. She is blessed with a prosperous life but her source of happiness stems from seeing that the lives of her fellowmen have dramatically improves.
With her resources and the help of her connections, Ma'am Sonny established livelihood projects in Pasay for the disabled. Through these projects, they were able to provide jobs to disabled persons in government offices, factories, restaurants and other companies.
Aside from these, Ma'am Sonny also put up literacy, health and micro-finance programs. At present, she also works as an administrator for the Pinoy May Kapansanan Foundation. She believes that each one of us has a responsibility to heed the call of public service, and that we all hae the ability to enrich our lives by serving others.
REGIONAL WINNERS
- Gloria E. Bantugan - Balanga City, Bataan (Region 3)
- Socorro R. Perey - Brgy. 6 Mendez, Cavite (Region 4-A)
TEACHER CATEGORY
Juanita S. Arguel (National Winner)
- Limay, Bataan
- Region 3
After more than thirty-three years of
teaching in regular school and twenty-four years of being a SPED-HI teacher,
Juanita Arguel remains to be hard-working, patient and kind-spirited.
Ma'am Juanita's contribution in the
field of special education has truly been priceless. Guided by her belief that
everybody deserves a good education, she has spent countless days teaching
special education students. She even gives remedial classes to regular students
who do not have the money to pay for these classes.
If anybody is aware of the special
attention that should be given to SPED-HI students, it would be Ma'am Juanita.
This is why she extends her help to these students by teaching sign language to
their parents. Her genuine concern even goes as far as regularly bringing these
kids to the community's health center to ensure the condition of their health.
Coordinating with some doctors in UST
Hospital
Home visits are also part of her weekly
routine to check on the family situation of her disabled students. Ifthere are
disabled kids who are not studying, Ma'am Juanita finds them and brings them to
school.
Ma'am Juanita's resourcefulness
impresses most people who know her. With very little resources available, she
manages to convey the lessons through simple materials. Some of these materials
are even bought with her own money. At times, she would ask help from different
agencies to augment the budget for her teaching materials.
For her co-teachers and students, Ma'am
Juanita is more than a teacher. They consider her a friend and a mother,
especially to all the children she was able to help.
Ma. Magdalena Geronimo (National Finalist)
- Caridad, Cavite City
- Region 4-A
Each blessing becomes extra special when shared with those in need. This is the principle behind Magdalena Geronimo's effort to help others. Aside from being a good teacher, people look up to her because of her generosity. Despite her meager salary, she willingly shares her earnings to those who need financial assistance.
Through her organization called Club 8586, Mrs. Geronimo is able to teach values formation every Sunday to the children of Bacoor and Trece Martires in Cavite. Being an educator, she believes that every child should be sent to school. In fact, she is currently sending one child in her community to elementary school using her own money.
A good heart coupled with the best intentions is the perfect recipe for a hero, one like Ma'am Magdalena Geronimo.
Fe Tabaco (National Finalist)
- Talamban, Cebu City
- Region 7
People in her community would describe Fe Tabaco as a woman of action. Aside from regularly teaching at Talamban Elementary School, Ma'm Fe also manages a public pre-school under a special arrangement. Many consider this as her greatest contribution in the community.
Public school are not allowed to use school facilities for other purposes including a pre-school. But with Ma'am Fe's ardent desire to help the institution as well as the younger children of her community, they were able to establish a public pre-school through bayanihan involving members of the community. Ma'am Fe, together with concerned parents, was able to raise enough money to fund the pre-school and situated it in an abandoned part of the Gabaldon School Building.
Though many say that setting up a public pre-school is an impossible feat, Ma'am Fe pursued the dream which now benefits the younger children in Talamban, Cebu. For these children and their parents, Ma'am Fe will forever be their hero.
YOUTH CATEGORY
Aisah G. Minukon (National Winner)
- Maigo, Lanao Del Norte
- Region 10
For Aisah Minukon, helping others is not
just her mission but her vocation. She studied Community Development in college
to be able. help others and her community. Indeed, her vocation has prepared
Aisah in her endeavors to improve the lives of people in local communities.
Being a Muslim, it was not easy for
Aisah to be able to get out of the house and accomplish her goals. Their
culture did not encourage Muslim women to participate in community development.
However, Aisah was determined to achieve her dreams, for herself as well as
other Muslim women in her community. It took some explaining, but she was able
to convince her family to allow her to fulfill her personal mission of helping
others.
Armed with passion and the knowledge she
gained from her studies, Aisah was able to raise the confidence of her fellow
Mus!im women by encouraging them to be active participants in the community.
She encouraged them to go out and do their part in helping the neighborhood.
By setting up livelihood programs for them,
Aisah was able to teach them self-reliance, broaden their goals in life and
establish the women as important members of the community.
While others aspire to finish studies to
succeed in their own lives, Aisah wishes to learn more so that she could help
improve the lives of others. Her dedication and commitment in supporting the
female members of the Muslim community serves as a reminder of the more
important things in life.
Allan E. Sarte (National Winner)
- Caridad, Cavite City
- Region 4-A
Allan's determination to lend a hand has brought him to depressed areas in Cavite. Here, you would see him helping the youth, teaching values formation and even going as far as educating them about their personal hygiene.
His work as a volunteer has also brought him into teaching the inmates of Cavite City Jail. while most people would fear their presence, Allan looked at these inmates with sympathetic eyes and treated them with a compassionate heart. In more ways than one, he has served as an inspiration for them to be better persons.
Like most of the people he helps, Allan too did not have an easy life. He grew up in a poor family but this did not stop him from reaching his goals. He even experienced selling food to be able to support himself while studying. His determination to finish his studies brought him closer to his dream of helping his family. This too, won the admiration and respect from the people who know him.
Being a good Christian, Allan believes that his faith is further strengthened when he serves his fellowmen inspires them to strive harder despite the difficulties that they encounter in life.
Jessica Gapuz (National Finalist)
- Sampaloc, Manila
- NCR
Some people are truly born with a kind heart. One great example is Jessica Gapuz. Born in simple family with a strong faith in God, she grew up with the fervent desire to help others.
Jessica selflessly gives her time to lend a helping hand where it is needed. she has countless ways of extending her assistance to young people like her: listening to their troubles, encouraging them to strengthen their Christian faith, lifting up their spirits when they are down and most importantly, being a good example to them. She did not lose hope even for young people who have succumbed to drugs and vices. Instead, she supported them in their pursuit to change for the better.
Being an educator herself, Jessica is aware of the importance of having a good education. She has become a prime mover of scholarship programs because she saw that there are many deserving young people who could not go to school because of poverty.
Faith, kindness and persistence ... these are some of qualities a true hero should possess. As for Jessica, her passion to help others is driven by one force, her love for God and her fellowmen.
REGIONAL WINNERS
- Eliseo S. Dela Cruz - Malolos, Bulacan (Region 3)
- Aireen Suaib - Bataraza, Palawan (Region 4-B)
- Adelino G. Valenzuela, Jr. - Mlang, Cotabato (Region 11)
FAMILY CATEGORY
Doroteo Family (National Winner)
- Brgy. San Isidro, Antipolo City
- Region 4-A
Heroism
truly runs in the blood of Doroteo family. Headed by its patriarch, Tatay
Erning, each member of this family has his i her own way of contributing to the
improvement of their community. One such
contribution is the establishment of a formal school.
Being members of the native group called
Dumagat, the family strongly believes that "Education will free the
Dumagats". Thus, they initiated efforts on establishing a school for them.
Tatay Erning personally took care of all the requirements for the construction
of the school. The difficulties of going to the local government offices from
the remote location of their home did not stop him from accomplishing all the
requirements and moving closer to achieving their dream of putting up an
educational institution.
Tatay Erning's sons also gave their
contribution by helping construct the school. They also did the beautification
and repair in the school's structures. With their family's dedication and hard
work, the Dumagats now have a formal school to send their children to.
Like Tatay Erning, her wife, Nanay Azon,
plays an important part in their community. Like the caring mother that she is,
Nanay Azon never fails to lend a hand and provide assistance to their neighbors
who are in need of medical care.
Once more, the Doroteo Family has proved
that the bayanihan spirit continues to live on. Initiating bayanihan has
inspired other Dumagats to participate in the efforts to improve the community.
With the Doroteo family leading the Dumagats, fulfilling the dream of a
developed community is not far behind.
Dolina Family (National Finalist)
- Palo, Leyte
- Region 6
The contribution of their family extends to the Dolina children. Irma Dolina, a dentist, regularly joins medical missions and renders her free service to people from poverty-stricken areas. Ian Dolina, on the other hand, provides free seminars to share his knowledge about agriculture.
Selfless giving and a strong sense of faith ... these are the qualities that make the Dolina family an exemplar team of heroes.
Limpangog Family (National Finalist)
- Iligan City
- Region 12
The Limpangog Family also serves as a link to our Muslim brother and sisters in the Marawi community. Through them, discussions are opened and the voices of the Muslim populace are heard. It is for this reason that the Limpangog Family has earned the respects of both Christians and Muslims.
The children in this family were raised as good citizens and productive members of the society. While growing up, they were taught the value of helping others. Limpangog Family, without question, exemplifies the true meaning of heroism.
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