By Katrin Anne Arcala
GAWAD KALINGA (GK) awarded another set of heroes on the third year of “Parangal ng mga Bayani” in Negros Oriental. Individual awardees were: Ivy Cerelyn Balilo; Bern Ygot; Dennis Caballero; Conrado C. Ambos; Catherine Praile; Hon. Arnie A. Teves; Hanz Denzil Villahermosa; Nicolas Sanchez Dumapit; Victor Panay Bagsit; Erla Almendral
The event aims to honor “new breed of heroes, new faces that planted the seeds of hope for the love of God and country and as active community servant/leader and as a responsible citizen of our [the] country.
Joseph Ceriales, GK NegOr Missionary, said: “Parangal ng mga bayani is our simple way of honoring the Negrenses for their community service. Isa lang sila sa mga thousands of people in the province who really worked hard for the progress of this [Negros Oriental] land.”
Recepients were based on being “makatao, makadiyos at makabayan” (humane, godly and nationalistic). The search initiated months ago was done by respondents who worked on the ground in pursuit of deserving awardees.
ardees.The Ten BAYANING NEGRENSE AWARDS named were: Jo Hannah Naranjo (Youth Leader); Felcon Rivera (Environment Champion); Bevs Sarana (Child & Youth Development); RodNey Zamora (Youth Leader); Eminel Mata Perdiz Ogoc (Child & Youth Development); Rodulfo A. Saycon (Community Leader); Lucile Lou Bacol Morito (Health Champion); Rollie Meniano (Community Builder); Dindo Amorganda (Event Organizer); and Audie Michael S. Litrada (Environment Champion/ Community Builder).
Cidni Mapa, Provincial GK Head, said: “A lot of the heroes go unnoticed and we just want to have the opportunity to also name them. When they do something we don’t really aim for recognition. But there are some things which we could put on a lamp stand and not just hide under the bed… what we’re trying to say is that these are the good things they have done and if they [awardees] could do it then the rest might be inspired to follow them as well.”
The award was launched nationwide in the year 2002. However, it was only last 2010 when GK NegOr established the body in the province. “Others think that bayanihan is the plain act of carrying a kubo above your shoulders altogether or maybe even just a dance company. But bayanihan, in reality, is a gathering of heroes. Each of us who also bring up heroism must come together to create greater things,” Mapa added.
Bayaning Samahang Negrense Awardees were: Pilipinas Natin Negros Oriental; Gabaan Youth Lead; Philippine Army- (79 ib, and 302nd Brigade); EDC, CPD; LYONESS; Caretaker Team (kakha); MIDNASTY; Girl Scout of the Philippines Silliman Chapter; Mc Donalds Dumaguete; and Boy Scout of the Philippines Province of Negros Oriental.
The event was co-organized by Ang Sandigan and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. It was held last Jan. 26 at the Audio Visual Theatre 1.
BAYANI The 10 awardees of the 2013 Parangal ng mga Bayani receives applause
from the crowd at AVT1 last Jan. 26.
PHOTO BY JR Calicdan
