INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY
Dr. Roel Z. Cagape (National Winner)
- General Santos City
- Region 12
Dr. Roel Cagape was no stranger to poverty. At an early age, he witnessed how poverty prevented his community to access even the simplest of medical services. This made him pursue medicine as his vocation in life and helping his countrymen, his commitment.
His twenty years in the medical profession was mostly dedicated to providing his services to rural and far-flung areas in his province. He initiated projects that made health services available to his community, especially to those who, literally, have to cross mountains just to seek medical help.
Aside from his daily free clinic, he conducts weekly medical missions. He also created a project called Ambulansyang Kabayo. This project taught the community how to act in emergency situations by using horses as means of transporting patients to the nearest medical facility in the province. Before this project, persons who need medical attention were carried by men in the community using a hammock tied to a bamboo.
Dr. Cagapae also uses the media to educate the people on preventive medicine and give them leverage in protecting the health of their family. He hosts a radio program called "Sagot Ka ni Doc." He also has a health booklet written in the local dialect and a health column in a local newsletter.
He believes that doing good deeds to others is a proof of one's faith in God. To this day, he continues his outreach projects and encourages his network of friends to help in his worthy cause - for his countrymen, for a better Philippines.
Federico A. Balanag (National Finalist)
- Baguio City
- Cordillera Autonomous Region
For the 78-year old Federico Balanag, it is never too late to do great things for his fellowmen. He stood as a leader of Blessed Association of Retired Persons, Inc. (BARP Foundation, Inc.) for more than a decade and his name left an indelible mark in the hearts of their more than 17,000 members. He spearheaded their organizations' various projects - setting up cooperatives, botika ng bayan, medical and dental clinics that help not only its members but their families as well. His tireless efforts brought about positive changes in the lives of the people who will always look up to him as their hero.
Carlito M. Gaspar, C.S.S.R. (National Finalist)
An educator, anthropologist, artist, a writer, community organizer, and peace advocate - Carlito Gaspar is all these and more. But for Bro. Karl, being his brothers' keeper is worth more than all the titles bestowed on him. He spent countless years extending help to the poor and disadvantaged - farmers, fisherman, plantation workers and even indigenous people and other marginalized sectors. Aside from his countless outreach programs, he wrote several books to open the eyes of Filipinos to oppression, poverty, hopes for peace, nationalism and spirituality. He is a living proof that one does not need the wealth of the world to be able to live a rich life.
Jay Michael O. Jaboneta (National Finalist)
He hasn't even reached 30, but his achievements are more than what others can hope for in a lifetime. Jay Michael Jaboneta is one of the founders of the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation. Using the power of media and social networking, Jay and his group were able to gather funds and build yellow boats to provide a safer made of transportation to poor children who swim everyday just to go to school. For Jay, it's not just about giving these children a means to arrive safely to school, it's also about giving them an opportunity to dream bigger dreams. Meeting young heroes like Jay feels like taking a glimpse of the brigh future that lies ahead for our country.
Carlito M. Gaspar, C.S.S.R. (National Finalist)
- Cebu City
- Region 7
An educator, anthropologist, artist, a writer, community organizer, and peace advocate - Carlito Gaspar is all these and more. But for Bro. Karl, being his brothers' keeper is worth more than all the titles bestowed on him. He spent countless years extending help to the poor and disadvantaged - farmers, fisherman, plantation workers and even indigenous people and other marginalized sectors. Aside from his countless outreach programs, he wrote several books to open the eyes of Filipinos to oppression, poverty, hopes for peace, nationalism and spirituality. He is a living proof that one does not need the wealth of the world to be able to live a rich life.
Jay Michael O. Jaboneta (National Finalist)
- Navotas, Metro Manila
- NCR
Ramon G. Zarceno, M.D., P.D. (National Finalist)
Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, said "make a habit of two things - to help, or at least do no harm." Ramon Zarceno took this to heart when he became a doctor. With the countless medical and surgical missions he organized, he was able to bring medical aid to the remote areas of Tapaz, Iloilo. Aside from these missions, he spearheaded various outreach activities like the "Save the Turtle Project" in Guimaras and the establishment of the Stroke Prevention Clinic in Iloilo. He spent decades of his life serving his countrymen, giving utmost importance to life and the true spirit of caring for others.
In her 41 years of teaching, Rebecca Ouano believed that the opportunity to learn is not limited in the classroom. Her advocacy is dedicated towards giving the underprivileged a chance to get an education. Ma'am Becky believes that this can be their most powerful tool in ending poverty.
Marites Bermejo lives a life of faith and service. As an educator, she devotes her time and effort, not only in teaching academic subjects to her students, but also in joining and initiation projects that will benefit the youth. One such project is dedicated to protect students against cyber crimes and bullying, reaching out to both parents and students in promoting safe internet use. Aside from her outreach teaching programs, she also participates in projects that concern the preservation of the environment. Truly, Ms. Bermejo is a light that shines towards a brighter path for the younger generation.
Everyone deserves a good education - Ellen Delante lives by this credo. As a special education (SPED) teacher, Ms. Delante spent years teaching deaf students and working to alleviate their everyday struggles in obtaining proper education. She voluntarily renders her services as a dorm mother at Balay Sumpong, a shelter for deaf students who live far from Malaybalay. Her efforts and personal sacrifices allowed less fortunate hearing-impaired students to go to school. To these children, Ms. Delante clearly possesses resounding qualities of a real hero.
Agapita Licyayo is an educator who teaches more than what we read in books - she teaches her students a sense of self. By spearheading activities that enriches cultural knowledge, Ms. Licyayo teaches more than academic subjects. She educates the students about their culture and heritage and develops their love for the arts. She established a group called "Ang KCS Ensemble Club," a group that produces presentations of various Ifugao traditions through cultural dance performances. More than educating young minds, Ms. Licyayo is teaching her students to love their country.
In a place where poverty and violence prevail - it only takes one person to make a difference. In Cotabato, that person is Nelly Mantac. An alternative learning system (ALS) educator, Ma'am Nelly braved numerous challenges and dangers to be able to bring education to Brgy. Natutungan, where only 5% of its total population have basic literacy. By introducing the ALS program, she was able to bring a community together to work in obtaining basic education. For Ma'am Nelly, it will take more than fear to stop her from fulfilling her duties as an educator and a citizen of our beloved country.
Being in a loving family teaches the value of unconditional love. This kind of love, when extended outside the family, enables a person to sympathize and unconditionally give help to those who are in need.
They may be blessed with material things in life, but for the Marquez Family, real blessings come from the grateful smiles of the people whose lives they have touched. Coming from a political clan in Antipolo, the Marquez family seemed destined to live a life of public service. Their father, Alexander Marquez, is an elected city councilor. The mother, Trinidad, busies herself with socio-civic activities, while their eldest daughter, Melissa, pursued a special education course an now volunteers teaching children with special needs. Beyond fulfilling their duties, they find contentment in being able to uplift the lives of the people living in their community.
- Jaro, Iloilo City
- Region 6
REGIONAL WINNERS
- Mario Barerra Resurreccion - Brgy. Daraitan, Tanay Rizal (Region 4-A)
- Yolanda Custodio Pimentel - Calamba Laguna (Region 4-A)
- Alejandro Bailon Rayala III - Naga City (Region 5)
- Rodelio "Waway" Linsahay Saway, Sr - Songco Lantapan, Bukidnon (Region 10)
- Joesie Abo-abo Durango - Cabadbaran City, Agusan Del Norte (Region 13)
TEACHER CATEGORY
Rebecca G. Ouano (National Winner)
- Cebu City
- Region 7
she raised her six children and sent them all to school while she fulfills her duties as an educator. However, her being a mother didn't stop at her own kin. Ma'am Becky is also a mother to all her students, which also includes out-of-school youths, vendors, street children and even jail inmates. She actively participates in promoting and executing the alternative learning system (ALS) as its project coordinator.
Her dedication and commitment to the ALS program was rewarded with a 2-storey building. This building now accommodates ALS classes, entrepreneurship skills which can help make them progressive citizens of our country.
To say that Ma'am Becky works beyond her call of duty is an understatement. Aside from being an educator in Tejero Elementary School and an active participant of the alternative learning system, she still finds time to voluntary teach during weekends and provide a free daily supplementary feeding program to almost 200 street children. She also conducts outreach programs for the depressed, deprived and underserved (DDU).
Many of us remember our teachers for the things they have taught us. Ma'am Becky, however, will be remembered by how she has touched and inspired so many lives.
Marites F. Bermejo (National Finalist)
- Imus, Cavite
- Region 4-A
Ellen N. Delante (National Finalist)
- Malaybalay, Bukidnon
- Region 10
Everyone deserves a good education - Ellen Delante lives by this credo. As a special education (SPED) teacher, Ms. Delante spent years teaching deaf students and working to alleviate their everyday struggles in obtaining proper education. She voluntarily renders her services as a dorm mother at Balay Sumpong, a shelter for deaf students who live far from Malaybalay. Her efforts and personal sacrifices allowed less fortunate hearing-impaired students to go to school. To these children, Ms. Delante clearly possesses resounding qualities of a real hero.
Agapita N. Licyayo (National Finalist)
- Kiangan, Ifugao
- Cordillera Autonomous Region
Nelly T. Mantac (National Finalist)
- Matalam, Cotabato
- Region 12
In a place where poverty and violence prevail - it only takes one person to make a difference. In Cotabato, that person is Nelly Mantac. An alternative learning system (ALS) educator, Ma'am Nelly braved numerous challenges and dangers to be able to bring education to Brgy. Natutungan, where only 5% of its total population have basic literacy. By introducing the ALS program, she was able to bring a community together to work in obtaining basic education. For Ma'am Nelly, it will take more than fear to stop her from fulfilling her duties as an educator and a citizen of our beloved country.
REGIONAL WINNERS
- Fe Matullano-Lustañas - Parañaque City (NCR)
- Norma C. Pacaigue - Novaliches Q.C. (NCR)
- Lodesa G. Dulnuan - Cauayan City, Isabela (Region 2)
- Werlie Sambajon Escarza - Werlie Sambajon Escarza (Region 4-A)
- Zoilo Jayobo Pinongcos, Jr. - Leganes, Iloilo (Region 6)
- Noaima D. Metmug - Bacolod Kalawi, Lanao Del Sur (ARMM)
FAMILY CATEGORY
Gamez Family (National Winner)
- Socorro, Oriental Mindoro
- Region 4-B
A well respected family in Brgy. Daan, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro, the Gamez family, composed of Virginia, the mother, and her nine children, dedicated their lives in community service. Even now that the siblings have families of their own, they continue to pass on their legacy of being in the service of their community.
Their efforts include building classrooms for the community school and donating a vacant lot and construction materials for their church. Aside from these, they also devote their time in volunteer works and outreach programs.
some members of the Gamez family are volunteers of the Kabayanihan Foundation, actively participating in nation-building with the belief that we, as Filipinos, are part of the solution. But even outside the organization, they do medical missions, feeding programs, and distribution of relief goods. They are also able to participate in providing scholarships and jobs to deserving beneficiaries.
At present, the Gamez family continues with their advocacies and community service while maintaining a strong spiritual foundation. They believe that we don't need material wealth to touch the lives of others; what we need is an open heart to help others and glorify our Creator.
Having a good family enables us to look outside our homes and examine how we can be of service to others and became heroes in ways we can. This is at the core of the Gamez family's way of life.
Marquez Family (National Finalist)
- Brgy. Dela Paz, Antipolo City
- Region 4-A
They may be blessed with material things in life, but for the Marquez Family, real blessings come from the grateful smiles of the people whose lives they have touched. Coming from a political clan in Antipolo, the Marquez family seemed destined to live a life of public service. Their father, Alexander Marquez, is an elected city councilor. The mother, Trinidad, busies herself with socio-civic activities, while their eldest daughter, Melissa, pursued a special education course an now volunteers teaching children with special needs. Beyond fulfilling their duties, they find contentment in being able to uplift the lives of the people living in their community.
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