BAGUIO CITY – In keeping with the theme, “Baguio at 108: Land of Champions,” winners in various disciplines and three outstanding citizens were awarded during the Baguio charter day program Friday morning at the Baguio Convention Center.
Opthalmologist Joanne Jularbal Balderas, a Baguio girl, professor, eye clinic owner, environmentalist, active social civic and community leader received the Outstanding Citizen of Baguio community service award. A staunch supporter of medical missions, she initiates and leads in eyesight saving endeavors, in the region and even beyond.
Dubbed as Mr. Medical mission, Surgeon Dionisio Ramos Claridad, Jr. received the Outstanding Citizen of Baguio medical service award with his skills and life teachings to young students, in the city and far-flung areas of Benguet, Mtn. Province and Ilocos Sur. He earlier launched an “End Polio” program with civic groups and is an active advocate of mental health.
Philippine National Police (PNP) retired General Benjamin Magalong also received the public service award for his being incorruptible in the face of threats and temptation of wealth and position. Magalong is also known for his role in computerized identification of time and area of criminality surge.
The three were chosen after stringent screening with the final judging and interview by the Society of Outstanding Citizen of Baguio (SOCOB) final judging committee headed by Mayor Mauricio Domogan.
The awardees who were conferred their awards by Arch. Joseph Alabanza join outstanding Baguio citizens who have upheld the legacy of showcasing the city’s best.
Councilor Elmer Datuin introduced the guest of honor and speaker Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) world champion Eduard Folayang who lauded the city and citizens who molded him, bringing him to success in his chosen sport. Folayang also left a challenge for Baguioites to continue the culture of caring, and nurturance of best practices for the next generation.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan also gave his Baguio Day message earlier.
National Police Commission (NaPolCom-CAR) Director Editha Semilla-Puddoc led the ceremonial blowing of whistles for the 23rd National Crime Prevention Week kick-off, with Congressman Marquez Go giving the closing remarks.
The ceremonial blowing of whistles came after the awarding of the cleanest and greenest barangay, barangays that need improvement and the best backyard garden as promoted by the office of Councilor Leandro Yangot, Jr.
A parade followed by marching bands from the different schools, Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Baguio City National High School (BCNHS), Pines City National High School (PCNHS), Saint Louis Laboratory High School (SLU LHS), Mabini Elementary School, Saint Louis University (SLU), Baguio Central School Drum and Lyre and Special Education Elementary School leading the five divisions.
The Police Regional Office Cordillera (PRO-COR) band also joined the parade of various line agencies, schools, local government, senior citizens, retirees and veterans contingent, religious groups, boy and girl scouts, barangays, foreign communities, non-government and private organizations, business sector from the Baguio Convention Center grounds up to the Melvin Jones Grandstand.
Other activities such as concerts, chalk art, sports competition and the like went on as scheduled. ** juliegfianza
