By PR | 06:53 PM July 23, 2024
The Outstanding Boholanos Around the World (Tobaw) Awards made a comeback after six years of hiatus.
Nine accomplished Boholanos who have excelled in their respective fields were honored on Monday, July 22.
The awardees were Dr. Eugenio Mende for agriculture, Engr. Albert Uy for business and entrepreneurship, Dr. Miriam Cue for education, Atty. Esther Gertrude Biliran for law, and Dr. Federico Malubay for medicine.
Other awardees were Brigadier General Chito Bersaluna for protective services, Fr. Antonio Pernia for public service, Alma Fernando-Taldo for performing arts, and Elvin Vitor for visual arts.
Each recipient shared their acceptance speeches, sharing the personal stories and experiences that have shaped their journey to success.
Tobaw coordinator Pie Padron introduced the recipients, while Provincial Human Resource Management and Development Office Head Anne Mariquit Oppus and First Consolidated Bank (FCB) President Engr. Joseph Lacea presented each award.
Councilor Eliezer “Ondoy” Borja welcomed guests on behalf of Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap while Board Member Venzencio Arcamo, officer-in-charge of the Vice Governor’s Office also gave his speech.
“The commitment demonstrated by our awardees is truly inspirational. Their endeavors are worthy of emulation, and their stories should empower us to be better engaged in our respective communities,” Arcamo said.
Dr. Disi Yap-Alba, chairperson of the Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK), thanked co-organizers for this year’s ceremony which also coincides with the 25th anniversary celebration of Tobaw and TBTK.
“It is not only about awards or accolades but is actually the testament of the power of dedication, hard work, and pursuit of excellence,” said Yap-Alba.
Other organizers of this year’s Tobaw were FCB, provincial government of Bohol, Diocese of Tagbilaran, The Bohol Chronicle and DYRD Radio Station, and the Confederation of Boholanos in the USA and Canada (Conbusac).
Also present during the night were Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, Board Members Aldner Damalerio, and Lucille Lagunay, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Handel Lagunay, Borongan Bishop Rev. Crispin Varquez, previous TOBAW awardees, and guest sponsors.
The event was hosted by Caye Britani Lumaad and directed by Boholano historian Marianito Luspo, with a special performance from the Boholano music duo, Music & Me.
A special moment was also given as a tribute to the late Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite.
From 1999 until 2018, the triennial Tobaw Awards awarded 65 commendable achievers who significantly contributed to the well-being of Boholanos through philanthropic efforts and volunteerism. (PiMO/JSS)
