BAGUIO CITY(PIA) — Athletes who gave honor to the city of Baguio in various international and local sports competitions, were given recognition in the recent “Our Athletes, Our Heroes Awards” of the Media for Sports Development (MSD) and the eponymous Publications Works and Media Works (e-Pub), in partnership with the city government of Baguio at the Baguio At Lobien at the Baguio Athletic Bowl.
MSD President Pigeon Lobien together with Baguio City Councilor Leandro Yangot Jr., Engr. Doy Tabilog representing the Office of the City Mayor, and MPT Mobility Assistant Vice President for Corporate Affairs Leo Gonzales handed certificates to some 30 athletes or their representatives who won in the recent sports events and competitions.
Muay Thai world champion Islay Erika Bomogao, Asian Games bronze medalists Jones Llabres Inso and Gideon Fred Padua led the awardees during the Athletes Day which was also part of the “Heroes: Wall of Fame mural project.”
Aside from the certificates, the athletes, were also honored by being painted into the murals at the walls surrounding the city’s athletic oval, Lobien said.
The mural project features Baguio and Cordilleran professional and amateur athletes who competed in the Olympics, Asian Games, and international professional sports events.
The portraits lining the walls and dugouts of the Athletic Bowl grandstand were painted by local artists Ged Alangui, Gladys Anne Labsan and Harold Banario.
In support to the mural project, the MPT Mobility, the innovations arm of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), awarded cash donation to the MSD group as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility activities in Baguio, reflecting the company’s “steadfast commitment to transforming the communities they serve beyond mobility.”
Gonzales with lawyer Fatima Gal from the MPT awarded the cheque amounting to P300,000 to Lobien, MSD secretary general Jordan Tablac, MSD secretary Roderick Osis, and MSD treasurer Miguelito Velarde, Jr. during the ceremony.
This initiative aligns with MPT Mobility’s broader belief that everyday heroes, through their dedication and hard work, can bring positive social impact to their communities.
“At MPT Mobility, we believe in making a difference in the communities where we operate. Our year-end CSR initiatives in Baguio reflect our commitment to not only provide mobility solutions but also to pay homage to everyday people who bring honor and transform their communities through their sacrifice, dedication and commitment to their chosen fields,” Gonzales said.
“We are proud to go beyond helping Filipinos move freely to ensure they live life to the fullest. Baguio holds a special place in our hearts, and we remain steadfast in our support to empower and uplift the local community here,” he added.
Lobien expressed gratitude to the donation of the MPT which he said will be used to complete 75 murals showcasing past and present-day Baguio-based athletes who have brought honor and recognition to the city.
Baguio artists Gladys Labsan and Ged Alangui are set to return to the sports facility and complete the painting for the inauguration of the finished works in February next year.
Earlier, the MPT Mobility also awarded the same amount to the Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI) Women’s Federation in support of empowering women and their role in uplifting communities. The donation will be utilized to acquire equipment, including mixing bowls and peanut grinders, for KALIPI’s livelihood projects in 18 predetermined barangays in the city of Baguio. **RMC -PIA-CAR