INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY
Herminia Ibarra (National Winner)
- Antipolo City
- Region 4-A
Her duty as a literacy worker of the
local government of Antipolo far encompasses the job description. This
surrogate mother, political advocate and community leader has tirelessly worked
for a better future of young people. By striving diligently for the needs of
her community, she has earned a prominent reputation as a steady help for those
who are in need.
A good leader and a role model, she
provided livelihood trainings and non-formal education for free to the Dumagat
minority group in Antipolo
City
Giving a second chance is a significant
role in changing the lives of Filipinos. This is the responsibility that this
humble mother knows all too well. But as any other brilliant hero knows, true
heroism exists in everyday endeavors done with extraordinary zeal.
Perfecto Ruiz Vicente (National Winner)
- Tambulig, Zamboanga Del Sur
- Region 9
- Deceased
"Ka Pecs," an endeared pet
name by which he goes by, exemplifies true idealism through his simplified
lifestyle. For him, life is defined by offering one's self. The faith and
recognition of the people by which he has shared his life with grant him a
certain kind of personal fulfillment. This made him capable of allowing people
from all walks of life to approach him without inhibition.
Known to be just and fair, his
reputation as somebody who's brilliant and generous is far reaching. He is a
simple man living a simple Filipino dream, a skilled scientist in the field of
agriculture, and ultimately the champion of the Filipino farmer.
Glorioso V. Saturay, Sr. (National Finalist)
- Bagong Pag-asa, Q.C.
- NCR
- Deceased
Dr. Glorioso Saturay devoted his entire professional life as a concerned and active anti-TB worker. Up to the present, he is still actively pursuing the cure for the tuberculosis malady. His understanding of Tuberculosis is extensive, having more than 20,000 carefully monitored and meticulously documented Tuberculosis cases all under his voluntary services.
His compassion for his fellowmen far encompasses financial boundaries. In fact, he rarely asks payment from his less fortunate patients. Through his gentleness and sincerity people find him approachable and very accommodating, developing a close bond with the people in his immediate sphere of influence. His kindness has afforded loyalty from his patients and peers. By going the extra mile to serve his community, he is held in high esteem by his fellow doctors and patients.
Bai Fatima P. Sinsuat (National Finalist)
- Cotabato City
- Region 10
She is dedicated in the healing of the fragmented society of Mindanao through various projects highly geared in developing local communities from the construction of High School buildings to the increase of the local budget. She does not stop injecting new ideas for the improvement of the living conditions of the indigenous residence of the coastal areas teaching them moral values, health, sanitation and the value of reforestation.
Inspite of all her achievements, she continuously adheres to the principles of neutrality and compassion which serves as her guiding light in performing her humanitarian activities.
Crispin P. Betita (National Finalist)
- General Santos City
- Region 11
As founder of the Marcellin Foundation, Bro. Crispin has taken the primary lead in addressing concerns of the increasing number of street children in South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat and General Santos City. The Foundation saves children-at-risks by providing them with therapy, health care, education, trainings, technical and livelihood skills.
Serving as the head of the Notre Dame of Marbel University, his humanitarian efforts reaches far beyond the immediate needs of his foundation. As a house parent to no less than 30 young people who are under his care, he tirelessly serves, teaches and encourages them to share his vision of a brighter future for the youth.
Br. Crispin is a living symbol of a man whose integrity has won for him respect from others. In religious parlance, he makes Christ alive to many people, making them aware of God's compassionate presence.
REGIONAL WINNERS
- Betty Ranges Garcia, Ed.D - Lingayen, Pangasinan (Region 1)
- Elvira Bernal - Carles, Iloilo (Region 6)
- Jocelyn Monje - Talakag, Bukidnon (Region 10)
TEACHER CATEGORY
Nenita Dagoyo (National Winner)
- Talakag, Bukidnon
- Region 10
A mother's love possesses a great
capacity to turn burdens into blessings. Such is the case of Mrs. Nenita
Dagoyo, a 47 year old mother of two of which her youngest daughter Jineth, has
been diagnosed as a multiple handicap, being blind, autistic and non-verbal.
It was through Jineth's condition that
Mrs. Dagoyo embarked into one of the greatest journeys of her life. After 26
years of teaching in "regular schools:' she decided to spend her time for
the greater good by teaching Special Education to the silent population of
Bukidnon. Her zeal knew no boundaries. As her awareness for the dire need of
Special Education in her region was realized, her passionate service increased,
so much so that she would get out of her way to make house visits to parents of
visually impaired children in order to reassure and encourage them. She has
housed visually impaired students without fixed source of funds and has
continually pursued her faith that disability is neither a hindrance nor is it
a hopeless situation.
Her continued effort has allowed a
steady progress of integration of these disabled children into mainstream
society. She has succeeded in enabling them to become simple but productive
members of the community. Despite their mental and physical limitations, with
her strong belief and commitment to the Lord, Mrs. Dagonoy has allowed herself
to soar on eagles' wings in the midst of these seemingly bleak situations.
Julia R. Capulong (National Finalist)
- Novaliches, Q.C.
- NCR
The great impact of her work transcends borders. From developing curriculum to various teaching materials, her contributions has greatly improved the odds for the blind to learn and to become more involved in the educational process not only in her area but for the whole nation as well.
With unquestionable integrity, Ms. Capulong has earned a sizeable reputation as a brilliant soul that has succeeded in doing what she knows best, to love the usually neglected, most often misunderstood sector in education. Although to others blindness might be viewed as a tragedy to be endured for a lifetime, to Ms. Capulong and to her beloved students, blindness allows a person to feel and experience a world, the sighted will never know.
Alda Sahipa (National Finalist)
- Bataraza, Palawan
- Region 4-B
"The only key to success can only be found in our ability to remember where we came from." This has become her battle cry that has valiantly fought a myriad of wars from the struggles of ignorance to the endeavors for peace among her native Agutaynin.
Nenita B. Lejarde (National Finalist)
- Cebu City
- Region 7
The development of a human life is a tedious heart wrenching experience, yet in the midst of all the hardship, one spirit shines bright. Its is this fervent belief in the greatness of the human spirit, that she established Operation: Second Chance, where people who are shunned or overlooked by society are given assistance in order to secure a better future both for themselves and their families. From training juvenile delinquents to dealing with major issues between relatives, Mrs. Lejarde bravely addresses these problems squarely, finding courage in her strong conviction of hope for the people she tirelessly trains to become responsible citizens again.
Angelito Nambatac, Sr. (National Finalist)
- Iligan City
- Region 12
Mr. Angelito C. Nambatac, Sr. is not a stranger to great difficulties in life. In fact his childhood was a series of great pains. Mr. Nambatac endured with remarkable grace a slew of injustices done to him. Many time he would be brought to the brink of madness due to hunger and loneliness. His sole source of sustenance to bridge him would be the coconuts that he would find along the way to and from school. But inspite of all these tragedies, his fervent dedication to learn was never stifled, in fact he subjected himself and endured a variety of indignities in order to earn enough for his education. From being a gardener, to a garbage collector, until he was able to afford some cows which he sold off to pay his college education, he had a sure hope that someday he will rise above his present situation.
In due time, his faith, persistence and determination paid off, he is currently one of the most valued educators in the Mindanao region. With unbridled dedication he would inspire other educators to reach the pinnacle of their profession. Indeed heroes are not born, they are made, and through his resilience and character, heroism is once again redefined in a life well-lived.
YOUTH CATEGORY
- Antipolo City
- Region 4-A
Borne out of adversity is the tenacity
to pursue educatio,i1 at all costs. This became the inspiration of young Marvin
Anastacio.From the harsh reality of his existence as a street urchin, Marvin
developed a hunger and thirst for learning that has led him to his present
journey to success.
The Acceleration Program of the
Department of Education has afforded Marvin a shimmer of hope, so precious to
children of his plight. It was this opportunity where he has foreseen a great
potential for a future that included neither oppression nor poverty. This is
the same vision that he incessantly shares to street children whom he hopes to
be averted from the dim struggle that the streets readily offer them.
It is through the sacrifice of time and
the determined purpose of being that Marvin strives to spark a renewal for the
numerous out-of-school youths that he is in contact with. By spending
tremendous time in mentoring them in order to inculcate the value of education,
the once vagrant and incorrigible student has turned into a passionate
volunteer literacy worker.
Indeed, Marvin Anastacio has turned his
harsh experiences in life into golden nuggets of wisdom that he now imparts to
young people whom he hopes will enjoy a better future.
Flordeliza Ria Manual (National Winner)
- Bataraza, Palawan
- Region 4-B
In the days where the exodus of Filipino
workers is at its pinnacle, one lady chooses to stay in her homeland, inspite
of the glamour, financial security and extensive opportunities in foreign
shores. This young woman stands staunchly by her principles of true virtue and
committed service to the mentally and physically challenged.
Flordeliza Manual is known to be the
fiery, passionate rural-based Physical Therapist of Bahatala Incorporated - a
Non-Governmental Organization that provides health care for physically and
mentally challenged individuals. She serves a wide range of families who are
not capable of seeking professional services and who cannot afford extensive
therapies for rehabilitation.
She has gone beyond the call of duty in
various occasions, owing to the fact that this young woman was brought up in a
highly principled and disciplined environment. Being well-loved by her parents
Ria developed a natural sensitivity towards people and their needs. An example
both in her career and community, this girl is out to prove that nobility means
going beyond profession and finding fulfillment in attending to the needs of
others. Despite great demands on her time and services, she still finds time to
further her spiritual convictions by being a youth leader of Alliance Youth
Philippines. "We are saved to save" is her mantra. Certainly, her
life has been a mission by which the Lord has greatly fulfilled His purpose.
Caroline P. Lagazo (National Finalist)
- Claveria, Cagayan
- Region 2
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.
Joe Eric C. Indico (National Finalist)
Efren G. Peñaflorida (National Finalist/CNN Hero)
- Caridad, Cavite City
- Region 4-A
Neither youth nor circumstances can hinder Efren Peñaflorida from fulfilling a dream of moral integrity and personal conviction in time of great trials where youths are bombarded by various pressures from their environment.
The major issue Ef tries to address is proliferation of juvenile delinquency. Most of his volunteer works and commitments are into helping alleviate the involvement of today's youths in crimes either as victims or worse, perpetrators. He tries to address them by the principle of prevention, thus involving himself in youth-oriented programs and organizations that help them.
His dedication in making a difference in children's lives and consequently in that community has significantly contributed to the implementation of programs that mold and shape the moral values of the Filipino youth. whether as a trainer of facilitator or support volunteer, his sincere concern for the children, diligent work, ability to get along well with people, and his solid faith god makes him a true role mode for today's Filipino citizens.
The major issue Ef tries to address is proliferation of juvenile delinquency. Most of his volunteer works and commitments are into helping alleviate the involvement of today's youths in crimes either as victims or worse, perpetrators. He tries to address them by the principle of prevention, thus involving himself in youth-oriented programs and organizations that help them.
His dedication in making a difference in children's lives and consequently in that community has significantly contributed to the implementation of programs that mold and shape the moral values of the Filipino youth. whether as a trainer of facilitator or support volunteer, his sincere concern for the children, diligent work, ability to get along well with people, and his solid faith god makes him a true role mode for today's Filipino citizens.
Joe Eric C. Indico (National Finalist)
- Jaro, Iloilo City
- Region 6
From the cudgels of obscurity, a young man envisioned great hopes and dreams for forgotten city. His inspiration would continue to thrive despite great adversity and seasons of solitude, yet through it all this humble youth continues to fight for a future that he believes will never die.
His most significant effort is the Adop-a-Mountain project where the object of great concern was the once scenic Mount Bayuso in Iloilo. By initiating reforestation and conservation Joe Eric's passion for the environment became more eminent. But his concern reaches far beyond trees. Through his youth projects, there have been numerous individuals whose live he has touched in great measure.
Joe Eric's dedication both to the environment and the improvement of the lives of his fellowmen has granted Iloilo City a breath of fresh air, a welcome change to a city that has somewhat struggled to gain back the luster of a once glorious city. Through his continuous campaigns and programs Joe Eric has succeeded in bringing public awareness to otherwise unknown issues such as blood donation, reproductive health and a slew of other community based modules taht aims to uplift the living conditions of people in his community.
His most significant effort is the Adop-a-Mountain project where the object of great concern was the once scenic Mount Bayuso in Iloilo. By initiating reforestation and conservation Joe Eric's passion for the environment became more eminent. But his concern reaches far beyond trees. Through his youth projects, there have been numerous individuals whose live he has touched in great measure.
Joe Eric's dedication both to the environment and the improvement of the lives of his fellowmen has granted Iloilo City a breath of fresh air, a welcome change to a city that has somewhat struggled to gain back the luster of a once glorious city. Through his continuous campaigns and programs Joe Eric has succeeded in bringing public awareness to otherwise unknown issues such as blood donation, reproductive health and a slew of other community based modules taht aims to uplift the living conditions of people in his community.
INSTITUTION CATEGORY
Bohol Federation of Disabled Person, Inc. (National Winner)
- Tagbilaran City, Bohol
- Region 7
The Bohol Federation of Disabled Persons
is composed of a myriad of people with disabilities. The silent majority of a
community found a certain strength that has empowered them to move on and
become victorious titans over the insurmountable challenges of life.
A network of people with disabilities
decided to join forces in order to collectively improve the lives of their
members. They wanted to change the public stigma that surrounded the world of
the handicapped. They wanted to prove not only to themselves but to other
people as well that being disabled does not necessarily qualify a person to be
a liability in any manner, and that nothin!JlPUl hinder a person's growth, not
circumstances, nor physicaklisability.
Through the initiative and leadership of
Mr. Timoteo S. Quilas, a group of no less than 10 people came together and
started the Bohol Federation of Disabled Persons. To date the federation has
1,378 members with 35 affiliations in the different organizations in Bohol, Through
various modules for entrepreneurship and the enhancement of present employable
skills, the Federation has succeeded in not only integrating PWDs into
mainstream society, but it has also given them the capacity to become
breadwinners of their respective families.
It is remarkable what faith and
self-reliance can do to transform an individual. But greater still is the
triumph of the effect of a changed life that can transform not only the
community but also a country. Their heroism was typified when they proved that
they are capable of piecing together a life that everyone thought was
impossible.
Claveria Grassroots Multipurpose Cooperative (National Finalist)
- Claveria, Cagayan
- Region 2
The oppression of the poor can spark significant disturbance in a small community like Claveria. Yet instead of an uprising, the poverty-stricken community decided to fight the bad with good. They joined forces and formed one of the most impressive credit cooperatives in the Philippines.
Through the initiative of Mrs. Petrona E. Aguinaldo, a dedicated and committed nurse and her husband Mr. Juan Aguinaldo, a former teacher by profession and a cooperative German priest, Fr. Edward Prawdzik, they were able to pool together Php 1,280 as the initial capital to a multi-purpose cooperative that is currently valued at Php 148 Million with 12,433 members.
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