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 Oct. 2.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 place; and Maryjane Pasiteng from Atok Trail, Baguio City – third place.
For the Municipality Category, Junaline Valdez from Camp 3, Tuba, Benguet ranked first; Angela Andrada from Bila, Bauko, Mountain Province is second, and Juliet Tabao-ic from Palina, Kibungan, Benguet in third place.Winners received plaques of recognition and cash prizes.Geronimo 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.Valdez said 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, and to inspire and keep the community population volunteers motivated in their intensified implementation of population and development programs in their respective localities.CPD-CAR Director Cecile Basawil congratulated the winners and other volunteers for their remarkable services that have made an impact in their community. “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. – Debbie E. Gasingan and Regel Ferrer
