LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) — The provincial government of Benguet honored its outstanding citizens in the recent Benguet Awards 2022.
Governor Melchor Diclas with Vice Governor Ericson Felipe and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members with Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Marvic Mario Victor Leonen awarded plaques to deserving individuals in celebration of the 122nd Benguet Foundation Anniversary thru the Adivay Festival 2022.
This year’s Achievement Awardees are Philippine National Police Chief General Rodolfo Azurin Jr., health worker Lucia Jacinta Benter, educator Roberto Camacho Tican and fashion designer Andrew Demot Visaya, Jr.
Gen. Azurin is the 28th Chief PNP. He was born in Tarlac but was raised and educated in Benguet. He served as the PNP Provincial Director of Benguet where he was awarded the Certificate of Merit for ranking first place in the Performance Evaluation Rating for Police Provincial Offices of the Police Regional Office Cordillera.
PRO Cor Regional Director BGen. Mafelino Bazar received the award in behalf of Gen. Azurin while Benguet Provincial Police Office Director PCol. Damian Olsim received a “Solibao” for the Chief PNP.
Medical Technologist Lucia Jacinta Benter is among the frontliners who risked her life for the welfare of others during the COVID-19 pandemic. Benter was always at the forefront in testing, contact tracing, and other activities to manage the spread of the COVID-19 then. With the lack of supply of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic, Benter crated isolation gowns from unused trash bags and face shields using materials that were available.
Her exemplary services was recognized and she was conferred with various awards most notably the Civil Service Commission Dangal ng Bayan Award.
Roberto Camacho Tican is a world class educator who has received numerous awards such as the Best Teacher Award, Perfect Attendance Award and the CEO Campus Administrator of the Year Award.
He is a living proof that the people of Benguet and the educational system in the province can indeed produce a world-class educator who can contribute to the betterment of the children not just in Benguet but also in the international community.
Fashion designer Andrew Demot Visaya Jr. was introduced to the world of fashion at a young age who made and advocacy to promote the use of the local fabric in the world of fashion. He started showcasing his designs locally by joining festivals such as the Benguet Adivay and other festivals in Baguio City and Benguet. He travels around the country and the overseas to showcase designs inspired by the ethnicity and culture of Benguet.
The provincial government also awarded plaque of commendation to Ronica Raine Babsa-ay, Dr. Annabelle Anod-Bawang, Aaron Marc Alain Calya-en, Dr. Jimmy Guisdan Catanes, Atty. Moises Palasi Cating, Lance Angelo Layugan, Dr. Samuel Saley Poliden, Nora Sagayo, Dr. Myrna Sison-Kuiper and Jonathan Supsupin.
Awarded with plaque of recognition are James Gabito, Saturnian Garcia, Jayvee Moltio, Heather Pulido, Ryan Jay Victorino Salamat, and Orlando Smith Jr.
The province also recognized the 2022 Adivay Global Icons namely Arthur and Esther Bulayo, Joyce Dipas Laoagan, Demvia Acosta Maslian, and Digna Adonis Nichols in the United States of America; Raul Hora Dado in Norway; Yvonnette Serrano Duque in Thailand; Gerald Carbonell Felipe in Australia; Concepcion Ogues Laoayan in Canada; Archibald and Grace Nabus in the United Kingdom; Lucio Cabarles Victor Jr. in Democratic Republic of Congo; Myra Zymelka-Colis in the Netherlands and the Cordillera Connection in Israel.
Justice Leonen congratulated all the outstanding individuals as he called on the awardees, the officials and the other guests particularly the youth during the ceremony to continue to do what is right.
“Have the courage to do what is right, we have only one life to give let us make it right. To the youth of today, be better than us,” Leonen said. **JDP/RMC- PIA CAR
