ILOILO City – Unity has made it possible for the Ilonggos to overcome challenges and achieve a lot since this city’s inauguration 86 years ago, said Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.
He led the highlight of the city’s Charter Day 86th anniversary on Friday – honoring Lifetime Achievement and the Diamond Lifetime Achievement awardees, and 10 outstanding Ilonggos.
“We’ve been through a lot but if we keep being united we will overcome the difficulties,” Treñas said.
He added: “We’ve gone a long way. Thanks to our awardees for demonstrating what the Ilonggos are capable of, they are worthy of emulation.”
The Diamond Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed to Ilonggos who made lasting and significant contributions in their field of expertise, demonstrated exemplary dedication, passion and commitment, and whose achievements have served as an inspiration for others to follow.
The recipients were Sen. Franklin M. Drilon (Public Service); singer-composer Jose Mari Chan (Arts and Music); and Bombo Radyo founder Dr. Rogelio Florete (Mass Media).
The Lifetime Achievement Award, on the other hand, honored individuals who made significant and sustained contributions to the city’s development, championed the Ilonggos, and gained widespread acclaim for their work.
The recipients were Dr. Alfonso A. Uy; Dr. Henry O. Chusuey; Architect Sergio V. Peñasales; Dr. Engracio P. Cortes; and Chess Grand Master Eugene Torre.
Meanwhile, the following were this year’s 10 outstanding Ilonggo awardees: Manuel Librodo Jr., Carmela Española, Ruth Jarantilla, Edwin Bautista, Mary Ann Gumban, Cezar Consing, Jessica Dator-Bercilla, Edwin Valencia, Leila Valencia, and Jhett Tolentino.
The selection committee considered their advocacy; community service/leadership; recognition/awards received; academic and professional achievement; and inspirational/sustained excellence.
“Very happy gid ako. Iloilo is very close gid sa akon heart. Sang ga-campaign ako sa Europe na-miss ko gid ang Iloilo,” said Torre in an interview with Bombo Radyo Iloilo.
When he graced the Mayor Jerry P. Treñas Chess Tournament as part of the Charter Day celebration, the multi-awarded chess player said he was happy to see that many Ilonggo kids were into chess.
“Ang chess gina-train ka to look for the best move. Ma-apply ini sa kabuhi. Damu mga sports physical, chess lang ang mental,” Torre explained.
For his part, Chan said it was in Iloilo where he grew up that he discovered his love for music. In fact, as early as 13 years old he was already a radio disc jockey.
“Music is God’s gift to me. What I do with the music is a gift back to God,” said Chan./PN
