The Ang Banwahanon Awardees Ian Fred Solas and Charlie Co (4th and 5th from left) with the Bacolod City officials led by Mayor-elect Greg Gasataya and Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson (3rd and 6th from left).*Ronnie Baldonado photos
Two Ang Banwahanon and four “Be the Change” Awards were awarded to outstanding Bacolodnons during the city’s 87th Charter Day program at the Bacolod City Government Center lobby Wednesday night, June 18.
Awards were also given to outstanding city government employees and top taxpayers at rites led by Bacolod mayor-elect Greg Gasataya.
This year’s Banwahanon Awardees are renowned artist Charlie Co and green technology expert Ian Fred Solas.
Co was cited for his “leadership and initiatives in developing and enhancing the talents of the artists of Bacolod City through the Visayan Visual Art Exhibition and Conference , which significantly contributed to the promotion of regional art”.
“His works have inspired young artists and generated public support for the visual arts in the City of Bacolod,” his award stated.
Solas was cited for “his contribution to the City of Bacolod’s waste management program and circular economy projects”.
“His innovative approaches, like the Seeds of Hope, fostered food security and resiliency among communities, and through his biodiesel technology, which helped reduce solid waste from the City’s public markets,” his award stated.
BE THE CHANGE
The four Be the Change Awardees are Pastor Joe and Billie Rosmarino of Calvary Children’s Home, Russel Gorre, Julius Lorca and Handom Organization represented by Daniella Laboriante, Mariella Ferraris, and Thaddeus Dy.
The Be the Change Award established under City Ordinance 1042 recognizes Bacolod residents who uphold and display good citizenship through good and noble deeds, that set an example for others.
OUTSTADING EMPLOYEES
Named outstanding Bacolod City government employees were Lordielyn Joy Pereyra – social welfare officer II in the supervisory category, and Manuelito B. Calaguing – construction and maintenance foreman and Dondon A. Parandas – community affairs assistant I in the non-supervisory category.
TOP TAXPAYERS
Bacolod’s outstanding taxpayers for 2024 were also honored at the Charter Day rites.
The top real property taxpayers – individual category awardees are Jose Antonio Alonte Jr., Stephanie O. Chiu, Catherine Ong, David Chiu and Jacinto V. Palma.
The top business taxpayers in the individual category are Wilkinson Yu Ong – Wilkinson Construction, Alvin Chiu Yu – Bacolod Triumph Hardware, Peggy King Li Ki Coo – KLC Entreprises, Alvin Gawte Chua – A-A Electrical Supply and Ramon Aparis Modina Jr. – RM Diabetes Health Options.
The top real property taxpayers – corporate category awardees are Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc., Capitol Central Commercial Ventures Corp. – Ayala Malls, San Miguel Brewery Inc., SM Prime Holdings Inc. and Dynasty Management and Development Corp.
The top business taxpayers – corporate category awardees are Nestle Philippines Inc., SM Prime Holdings Inc., Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Phils. Inc., AOB Corp., and Sucden Philippines Inc.
MAYOR’S CITATION
Mayor’s citation awards were also given to Citadines Bacolod, The Father’s Love Ministry, The Monday Group and Bach Project PH.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson lauded the awardees and thanked them for being exemplary role models to the people of Bacolod City during this time of transformation and change.
“You represent the very best of Bacolod – indomitable in spirit, generous in service, and determined in your pursuit of the common good,” he said.
“We are at a pivotal moment, with great opportunities to make change work for Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, and the Negros Island Region,” Lacson said.
Gasataya also lauded the awardees, called for unity with the elections over.*