TARLAC CITY – Gov. Susan Yap and Vice Governor Carlito “Casada” David led the awarding for this year’s role models who were cited for their hard work and volunteerism.
It was part of the 146th Araw ng Lalawigang Tarlac celebration. The 9 Tarlaqueños were named “Modelong Tarlakenyo” during the awarding ceremony held at the Bulwagan ng mga Gobernador.
The awarding is now on its third year.
Yap congratulated all the awardees and said that hard work is the best way to describe a Tarlaqueño.
“Congratulations to all the awardees, you all deserves to be called ‘Modelong Tarlaqueño’,” Yap said, adding “Majority of the awardees falls under the category of hardwork… that is truly a Tarlaqueño brand.”
David on the other hand, took the opportunity to thank all who supported him during the last election and said that being a model should always emanate from our home.
“Thank you for your continued trust and for the fresh mandate, rest assured of the continued services to our fellow Tarlaqueños,” David said adding that, “For you to become models, we should start in our own home.”
For the hard work category, the awardees are 31 years-old Dr. Rodel Valdez, member of the indigenous community of the Abelling tribe from the municipality of San Jose. Dr. Valdez was the first Aeta who obtained a Doctor of Philosophy degree in the Philippines. His life story was featured in an Indie film entitled, “Tell me your Dreams,” while another awardee, Virgilio Beltran from the municipality of Pura is a former janitor for 30 years, Catalina Neri a single mother and a former farm laborer from the municipality of San Clemente, her youngest daughter is the wife of Board Member Antonio Cervantes Jr.
Awardee from the municipality of Capas is Josefina Lim, a former house helper and a former bookkeeper, all of her children are college degree holders. She is the mother-in-law of Capas Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan.
Also awarded is 38 years-old Lorelaarni Mendoza of Moncada. She is a former barangay scholar, a former call center agent and a former OFW. The final awardee for the hard work category is 74 year-old Paulino Pascua from the municipality of Gerona, a former officer of the Philippine Marines, he is the head of the Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs.
For the category of hard work and volunteerism, the awardee is Dr. Philip Ibarra from the municipality of Camiling, a former president of the Tarlac Agricutural College [now Tarlac Agricultural University] a recipient of numerous awards such as Gintong Butil award by the Central Luzon State University Alumni Association, Outstanding Alumnus by the Tarlac State University Alumni Association and the Pangasinan State University Alumni Association and a Pag-Asa awardee of the Philippine Civil Service Commission.
Also for volunteerism category, the awardees are Imelda Casilla from the municipality of Pura, a volunteer Day Care worker for 19 years and Eufrecina Quines for the municipality of Anao, a former Day Care worker and a volunteer health worker and loves to do community services.
“One need not be famous, rich and powerful to be recognized in their exemplified traits and virtues,” Robert Magno, head of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office said adding “All the awardees received cash incentives and a plaque of recognition.
Also in attendance are Board Members Antonio Cenvantes Jr., Jude Joseph David and Harmes Sembrano, Mayors Catacutan, Elma Macadamia, Victoria Mayor-elect Christian Yap, Tarlac City Councilors-elect Emy Ladera-Facunla and PeeJay Basangan.