Bayaning Pilipino Awards 2007

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY

Daryl F. Famisaran (National Winner)

• Valencia, Bukidnon
• Region 10

There's no mountain high enough for Daryl Famisaran. Among his peers and his students. he is known for his persevering and friendly character. His pleasant and helpful personality goes beyond his classroom. He is not only seen as a teacher but also as a community leader.

Daryl's considerate and enterprising hard work achieved highest respect and recognition by the elders of the tribe in Bukidnon and those coming from the surrounding areas. He continued to demonstrate his sincere desire to aid the people. In doing so, his assistance effortlessly gained the community's trust, compassion and understanding.

His dedicated work accomplished to restore the SULADS (Socio-economic Uplift Literacy Anthropological Development Studies). SULADS previously halted its operations due to its lack of funding and lack of volunteers but with the persistence and confidence of Daryl, the program continues to exist. Thus, he remains to be a true inspiration to his fellow volunteers in their activities.

Daryl's commitments to the program started when he became a student volunteer of SULADS. After completing his studies. he continued to devote most of his efforts in re-establishing the program and reinstating its helpful projects. Since then, Daryl successfully achieved his duties in this program. He has managed to look for support and funding to reach out to difficult places and orient individuals to the refurbished educational program.

Editha Cañete Miguel (National Winner)

• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
• Region 4-B

"Humayo kayo't ipamahagi ang mabuting balita" (Go and spread the good word). These words demonstrate Jesus' last request to his disciples and is ardently followed by Dr. Editha Canete-Miguel.

Doc Ding, as most people call her, is considered one of the most courageous doctors within Palawan. She has chosen the challenges of becoming a rural doctor, despite other prestigious opportunities available to her.

She continued her noble cause with her modesty and bravery. Equipped only with her courage and faith in God, she has accomplished to spread the word of salvation to those suffering from poverty and to those of various race or religion.

She has also managed to improve the health care organization for those in need by presenting the current healthcare situation to the Agape Rural-Health Program (ARP). Doing this helped her encourage ARP to improve Palawan's healthcare services and incorporate other healthcare programs outside the region to work together. Her efforts include other provinces in the Philippines and even neighboring countries in improving their healthcare services through ARP.

Doc Ding's expertise in tropical diseases and her extensive experience in her profession have brought about the recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other recognized institutions that assist in facilitating her mission to spread and share healthcare information and programs.

Her extraordinary work in the healthcare industry is an inspiration to her kababayans everywhere. People like Doc Ding make us proud to be Filipinos.

Sr. Eloisa David, OSB (Special Awardee)

• Tacloban City
• Region 8

"Kung ano man ang iyong ginagawa sa iyong kapatid, ay siya ring gingawa mo sa akin" (Do unto others as you would have done unto me).  This meaningful biblical quote mirrors the life and vocation of the devout Sister Eloisa David, OSB.

As a servant of St. Benedict, it has been a practice to those in her religious vocation to serve God and the community.  Ety, despite her faithful service, Sister Eloisa David, had gone beyond most people in her vocation.  She is a woman of valor and strength.

Her dutiful conviction to aid those who are helpless is demonstrative of her genuine service.  Despite the Philippine government's lack of support, Sister Eloisa has taken it upon herself to help the provincial government of Leyte in improving their organization.  She has spearheaded various projects in different industries and has aided communities in improving their healthcare.

Sister Eloisa is a strong woman of no boundaries.  Her work of more than ten accomplished projects which range from assisting in refurbishing public hospital, housing employees of vaious institutions, organizing farmers, promoting skill development for individuals and many others illustrate her diverse and expansive influence to help.

Her strength and kindness is reminiscent of the true divice influence of God.  thus, she is proudly acknowledged for her generosity and determination in her activities.

REGIONAL WINNERS

1. Ricardo A. Tolentino, Sr. - Laoag City (Region 1)
2. Fortunato Eusebio - Bacolod City (Region 6)
3. Porferia C. Lapitan - Makilala, Cotabato (Region 12)

TEACHER CATEGORY

Monica Sison (National Winner)

• Valencia, Negros Oriental
• Region 7

Monica Sison bravely traveled the remote areas of Negros Oriental with one mission: to provide children of this area with proper education. Her work seeks to make education become more accessible for numerous individuals who were having difficulties in traveling to their hard-to-reach educational institutions. She proudly portrays the essence of a true educator.

As a result of her endeavors, the parents of the students she taught who were mostly rebels of the New People's Army (NPA), have rejoined society to support her educational project

for their children's future. Monica is definitive of a true humanitarian with her insight and perseverance to educate.

Presently, Monica is administering five schools in the province of Negros Oriental.  She continues to promote and offer education in this area. Her unrelenting efforts go beyond the walls of the schools as she continues to support the students' daily needs and necessities such as food and clothing. She also reaches out to the community as her teaching goes beyond academics. She helps her students and the community to learn numerous skills such as gardening, housekeeping, and health management.

As a truly dedicated educator and organizer, Monica Sison became the instrument to develop education within the Negros Oriental region and has recently accomplished to build a high school for the community to engage others to pursue their education.

Inspired by her highly spirited character, her family and friends have generously contributed to her cause to help children and students attain the education they require.

Aileen A. Arpon (National Finalist)

• Lucena City
• Region 4-A

The true essence of sincerity is usually found aimlessly wandering behind pride and fear. Aileen Arpon's genuine desire to help others shows her humility and strength for the community.

Besides her efforts in her regular teaching schedules, she extends her work for students in need of academic attention as she offers to tutor in the comfort of their homes.  Even during the summer season, Aileen generously shares her time and travels to various rural communities of Cavite to help children and students.  She labors to help those in need of remedial and academic attention without expecting financial returns.  As a member of a charitable organization, she was able to attain support to continue her duties in education and provide further training to aspiring teachers.

As a result of her dedication and expertise, she has inspired a number of individuals in her cause.  Although she has received numerous opportunities to benefit herself, she opts to teach in simple and humble school in a remote are of Cavite.

Marcelo T. Otinguey (National Finalist)

• Kapanan, Benguet
• Cordillera Autonomous Region

"Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan" (Those who don't acknowledge who they are or where they're from will not be able to reach their ambition in life).  Marcelo Otinguey is truly a man who has followed his rightful direction in life.  He reached his goal and continues to exceed expectations.

Before Marcelo chose the part of becoming a Values Education teacher, he was part of numerous government and church programs such as the Kultura ng Cordillera for SEAP and the World Youth Day 2002 (France) representing the region of CAR.  He continues to devote his time in the Kultura ng Cordillera for SEAP program and shares his acquired knowledge of Values Education to promote cultural integration in his community.

Due to his commitment to serve and educate people, he has strengthened and encouraged the community towards helping others.  Despite the numerous government positions offered to him, Marcelo Otinguey chose to remain and dedicate his efforts in helping his community.

REGIONAL WINNERS

1. Ricardo P. Seco - Iligan City (Region 10)

YOUTH CATEGORY

Rolly T. Melendrez (National Winner)

• Pagadian City
• Region 9

A true strength of character is reflected on a person's ability to rise through difficult situations. The altruistic life of Rolly Melendrez demonstrates this in his capabilities and character. He has the ability to turn lemons into refreshingly sweet lemonade.

Rolly is an active student leader. He gets along with his teachers and fellow students as he assists their school's livelihood projects towards the neighboring Marawi tribes. His good­natured character constantly adheres to the betterment of society.

This brave and generous young man has accomplished numerous tasks and projects, despite the situations in his personal life. Due to poverty and his family's financial need, he also became a working student-clearly definitive of his endurance and strength despite life's complexities. His earnest concern for the welfare of others exceedingly adds to his

responsibilities, but this does not hinder the charity of Rolly.

Even with his busy schedule, he can still find time to help in various projects in his school. He assists his fellow students with their studies and teaches neighboring communities of livelihood activities. He accepts all those who are different and aids them in times of need.

Rolly Melendrez is a true icon of purpose. He encourages youth participation and leadership in school while promoting cultural heritage and tradition. This young man's desire to aid the world surpasses the overwhelming unkindness of his surroundings.

Renato R. Balisacan, Jr. (National Finalist)

• Vintar, Ilocos Norte
• Region 1

Anybody can speak their minds in the hopes of making a difference, but those who can influence and change society is truly a rare breed.  Renato Balisacan Jr. is the eldest of three children, a high school scholar, and a brave leader who fights for the rights of his fellow students.  He is both a student and a community youth leader.

Due to the death of his father, Renato had to stand as the head of his household and ensure his studies reach high marks to maintain his scholarship.  His hard work provided him with reputable esteem from his teachers and friends.

As a student leader, his responsibilities include addressing important issues of his schoolmates towards creating a better community.  In his desire for change, for progress and leadership, he has brought hope for a peaceful and prosperous society.  With all of his endeavors, this young man has proven to be rightful example for the youth of his community.

Jenny May R. Bernal (National Finalist)

• Noveleta, Cavite
• Region 4-A

True beauty shows itself through the goodness of one's heart.  A delightful young individual is Jenny May Bernal. Her labors of charity and education exemplify the true beauty of her persona.

Jenny May is full of initiative and enthusiasm in educating other and assisting the students in their studies.  She is a selfless individual who is concerned in helping underprivileged children and teaching them about personal hygiene and nourishment.  Occasionally, she provides these children with financial help to support their studies, all of which she does in the kindness of her generous heart.

She volunteers to teach and to develop educational awareness programs for underprivileged children and child prostitutes.  She is also involved in fundraising projects such as JAM3's Band whose objective is to help deprived youth of the community.  She shares her time and talent whole-heartedly to advance the well-being of today's youth.

Jemarie L. Malacapo (National Finalist)

• Brook's Point, Palawan
• Region 4-B

An individual who accepts herself will be able to identify the needs of those around her. Jemarie L. Malacapo of Brook's Point, Palawan who originated from Baler, a province of Aurora, embodies the epitome of a genuine person.

Jemarie comes from a humble home, her father is a fisherman and her mother is simple housewife.  She became a DOST (Department of Science and Technology) Scholar and chose the vocation of teaching those deprived of proper education.  Eventually, she became a volunteer in the mountainous regions of Palawan to fulfill her true purpose in life.

The support of those around Jemarie came easily with her motivating spirit.  Through the Agape Rural-Health volunteer Program, she attained support in her mission to stay in the mountains of Palawan to help and educate the native of this area.

Jemarie Malacapo demonstrates the wide-ranging capabilities of mankind.

INSTITUTION CATEGORY

Dynamic Teen Company (National Winner)

• Cavite City
• Region 4-A

Every human being has admirable capabilities to reach the stars. Yet, the only difference between those who succeed and those who don't is the ability to know where to turn to the right direction. The Dynamic Teen Company is the catalyst for those who have lost their direction as this group of volunteers work hard to aid them.

Groups of 12-19 year old comprise the volunteers of this organization. Despite their age, the Dynamic Teen Company is a big help to the extremely poor. This organization conducts remarkable projects and programs and their members have demonstrated their sincere desire to help and accomplish several projects for the community.

Their kind and empathetic characteristic inspired those who were adrift. They encouraged former juvenile delinquents who were previous drug addicts, pickpockets/thieves, and street children to join the organization and help the community. The members of the organization have motivated these former delinquent individuals to return to school and organize their lives.

They further extend their charity to a number of projects, which includes promoting and educating children who live in cemeteries to be able to read and write and further their literacy. Their efforts continue as they humbly offer to bathe, nurse wounds, and provide hygiene supplies, like soap and toothbrushes, for the children they teach.

Another notable project of the Dynamic Teen Company is the creation of a telephone­counseling center where troubled youth can reach available counselors to talk about their problems. They also provide gift-giving festivities before Christmas for underprivileged children particularly those who live at cemeteries and other remote areas.

This highly organized group even collects newspapers and bottles around the Cavite region to help the environment. They also support various fund-raising activities such as concerts and garage sales of which all proceeds go back to the organization's charitable programs.

The Dynamic Teen Company has truly showed the strength of the Filipino youth in making a considerable difference in society.

Bantay ng Bayan Iligan, Inc. (National Finalist)

• Iligan City
• Region 10

True heroes ask, "Am I my brother's keeper?"  The organization, Bantay ng Bayan, knows the answer to this question as it takes upon itself the responsibility to aid those who are in danger.

This organization cooperates with the government and other agencies to become a source of radio communication, which warns and informs authorities of emergency situation.  All members of this organization are working as volunteers and are prepare for any situation.  They also regularly train individuals and other organizations to respond to rescue missions and activities.

In addition to this, the members of Bantay ng Bayan have successfully answered calls from victims of kidnapping, carnappings, fire, flood, and other calamities.  Their program also offers initial response in cases of emergency during special events such as parades, festivals, elections, among others.

Dilong Youth Organization (National Finalist)

• Brgy. Dilong, Tubo, Abra
• Cordillera Autonomous Region

In creating great changes, the destiny of the future falls in education and supporting the youth of one's community.  The youth in the town of Dilong demonstrates extraordinary unity and organization, as it works towards the preservation of their culture within their community.

The Dilong Youth Organization (DYO) is loyal to their cultural heritage.  This supportive group consists of youth from different backgrounds.  A large percentage of their members are students from elementary to college who are highly informed about current events such as globalization.  Despite their well-being, the youth of this organization never veered away from their background and traditions.

The people of Dilong are not affluent, but they are rich in culture and heritage.  They continue to strive in their efforts towards creating a better town despite the government's insufficient support for the past 30 years.

Yet, the youth of this community bridged the gap of the town's socio-economic infrastructure with their efforts to demonstrate their dedication to the community.  The community has continuously improved because of their assistance.  It through the efforts of the DYO that Dilong regained their place in society while keeping their integrity.

REGIONAL WINNERS

1. Saguday Cultural Troupe - Amposungan, Bakun, Benguet (CAR)