BACOLOD City – Ten outstanding Cadizeños will be awarded by the Cadiz City Government in Negros Occidental in Cadiz Arena at 4 p.m. today.
Ian Manuel Lo, a known philanthropist in the province; esteemed chef Antonio Escalante; and world-renowned violinist Gil Lopez Kabayao led this year’s 10 outstanding Cadizeños.
Lo, whose parents were certified Cadizeños – the late Dr. Manuel and Corazon Lo – was a prominent figure who poured significant help in the city during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
This owner of the chain of pharmacy and president of the Dr. Manuel Lo Foundation, Inc. will be honored as an outstanding Cadizeño for corporate excellence category.
Escalante, more known as Chef Anton, is hailed for his expertise on producing high-quality and savory food menu being the founder of one of the country’s well-known food chains.
Exhibiting his God-given talent not just in the local scene but also on international stage, Kabayao’s great influence in music was superbly acknowledged in the world of performing arts.
Also to be honored is Zarex Onatin in the visual art category.
Onatin used to be an excellent visual artist of three defunct Cadiz’s local theaters – Showbiz Cinema (1983-1985), Rico Cinema ( 1996-2000) and Sampagueta Theater (1996-2005).
Also joining the band of outstanding Cadizeños is Architect Rolem Basiya, the former president of the United Architects of the Philippines-Bacolod Azucar Chapter.
Cadiz’s excellent writer-turned-book author Thea Guanzon is also included in the list of awardees.
Guanzon’s book titled “The Hurricane Wars” impacted readers around the world.
In the field of sports, taekwondo ace and 30th South East Asian (SEA) Games front runner, Dex Ian Chavez, was chosen because of his international exposure that made Cadiz known in the international arena in this kind of sport discipline.
Additionally, Atty. Virma Gay Zymons, who is currently working/living in Australia, will also be cited for her exemplary deeds in aiding Filipino seafarers, among other notable charity works in various hospitals and hotels in Canberra during COVID-19 quarantine moments.
Named environmental achievement awardee is Mary Jean Tanaya whose stewardship in leading the Cotcot Upland Farmers and Farmworkers Association (CUFFA) has caused notable positive changes in Cadiz environment and vegetable production.
Mayor Salvador Escalante, Jr. said he is proud of this year’s pool of outstanding Cadizeños.
“Their great successes in their chosen fields of endeavor are reflections of how Cadiz City molds its constituents not just to become better but, perhaps, to be outstanding citizens here and abroad,” Mayor Escalante said./PN
