March 24, 2026 — The Society of Outstanding Citizens of Baguio (SOCOB) is urging residents to nominate individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the Summer Capital as its search for Baguio’s Outstanding Citizens is ongoing.
Deadline of submission is on June 30 and those chosen will be announced and awarded on September 1, 2026, Baguio Day.
In a media forum, March 18, at City Hall, SOCOB president Art Tibaldo said the initiative aims to recognize exemplary citizens and that the award is one of the city’s most prestigious recognitions, given to individuals who have demonstrated excellence, integrity, and service in their respective fields.
The award has been a long-standing tradition since the mid-1970s, with more than 600 individuals honored so far.
He said that SOCOB works closely with the city government in managing the nomination, validation, and selection process and that residents may nominate anyone they believe deserves recognition, including community workers, professionals, artists, athletes, or individuals engaged in public service.
Nomination forms are available at the City Mayor’s Office and City Administrator’s Office, and can also be downloaded from SOCOB’s official Facebook page. Once submitted, nominations will undergo a thorough screening process led by designated committees, Tibaldo said.
The process includes a nomination review, validation and final judging as validation teams will conduct background checks, including visits to the nominee’s community, to verify achievements and assess character.
Tibaldo emphasized that integrity plays a key role, noting that both accomplishments and personal character are carefully evaluated since the award aims to honor people who set a good example, showing that true success comes from both hard work and caring for those around you.
“There are committees assigned for nomination, validation, and judging to ensure a fair and thorough selection process,” he said.
Categories for the award include community service, professional service, business, sports, culture, and the arts. Tibaldo noted that nominees must have made significant contributions that positively impact the community or bring recognition to the city.
Unlike other awards, the Outstanding Baguio Citizen recognition does not provide monetary incentives but awardees receive a plaque during the official ceremony on September 1, in celebration of Baguio’s Charter Day, along with a medallion and inclusion in the official roster and publication of outstanding citizens.
For many awardees, being acknowledged in front of their peers, family, and the community is a rewarding experience that inspires them to continue their work and motivates others to follow in their footsteps, he said. Tibaldo emphasized that the award is rooted in service and commitment rather than rewards. “It is about love for work, love for the country, and love for the city,” he said. He also clarified that there is no age limit for nominees, and individuals do not need to be born in Baguio, as long as their contributions are connected to the city.
Even former residents or those who have represented Baguio on the national and international stage may be considered.
SOCOB also remains active beyond the awards, engaging in community outreach, support activities, and public service initiatives throughout the year, he said. ** Ace B. Martin and Khiel Lachica/PIO Baguio Interns/gabykeith
