CBAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The Commission on Population and Development- Cordillera(CPD-CAR) recognized outstanding and significant performance and contributions of community population volunteers in promoting and advancing the population and development program and strategies in their localities through the 2023 Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Awards held in Baguio City on Monday (October 2, 2023).
Recognized as the Most Outstanding Barangay Volunteers for the City Category are Honeylee Geronimo from Laya West, Tabuk City - first place; Maridel Laron from Pucsusan, Baguio City- second, and Maryjane Pasiteng from Atok Trail, Baguio City- third.
For the Municipality Category, Junaline Valdez from Camp 3, Tuba, Benguet ranked first; Angela Andrada from Bila, Bauko, Mountain Province is second , Juliet Tabao-ic from Palina, Kibungan, Benguet in third place.
Winners received plaques of recognition and cash prizes.
Geronimo, in her acceptance speech, thanked the CPD-CAR and the LGU of Tabuk City and their barangay for the unending support in the advancement of population and development programs in their community.
"Masaya po ako dahil naka attend po ako sa ganitong event na ngayon ko lang po naranasan. Salamat po sa oportunidad ni ito," Geronimo expressed.
Valdez said that the recognition she received serves as her inspiration to continue in serving the community as a volunteer.
"Para sa ating mga volunteer na nandito sa araw na ito, lahat tayo ay mga bayani ng Cordillera kasi tayo ay nagsisilbi ng buong puso at mahal natin ang ating mga ginagawa. Ipagpatuloy lang po natin maglingkod sa ating komunidad, mga kasama kong volunteers,” Valdez said.
The awards also aims to recognize innovations and effective strategies pursued by the community population volunteers in promoting the population and development program. Likewise, to inspire and keep the community population volunteers motivated in their intensified implementation of population and development programs in their respective localities.
CPD-CAR Regional Director Cecile Basawil congratulated every winner and other volunteers for their remarkable services that have made impact in the community they are in.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of any community, and you, our awardees, exemplify this truth through your acts of kindness, generosity, and service. Your willingness to devote your time, skills, and passion to make a positive difference is inspiring and heartwarming. Each act of kindness, no matter how small, has a profound impact on the lives of those you touch in the communities,” Basawil said.
She also extended gratitude to their partners from the national line agencies, LGUs, and civil society organizations for their continued commitment to empowering the volunteers in attaining the ambition for a better life for all Filipino citizens. (JDP/DEG-Regel Ferrer, SLU Intern-PIA CAR) (Photos: Jelleson Agang-ang, SLU Intern)
