City Charter Day awardees include Arroyo, Pacquiao

On its 69th founding anniversary, the city government is ready to give its special awards to personalities and institutions that have made significant contributions to Cebu City in the past year, including President Arroyo and boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.

The city council yesterday approved the list of awardees upon recommendation of the city's Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission, which included declaring President Arroyo as adopted daughter of the city, and Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal and retired Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. as recipients of the Rajah Humabon Award.

Awards for outstanding institutions will also be given to Gawad Kalinga, University of San Carlos Dance Troupe, Rotary Club of Cebu-Fuente, SM Foundation Incorporated, Cebu Business Park and Neighboring Barangays Altruistic Alliance Incorporated, Aboitiz Shipping Company, and dyAB Abante Bisaya.

Meanwhile, the outstanding individuals are Dr. Annette Laurente Salila for Medicine, Engr. Patricio "Junjet" Primor Jr. for Arts and Culture, Edward Dampor Sr. for Science and Technology, and Joy Augustus Young for Public Service.

This year's mayor's special awardees include Sinulog Foundation executive director Ricardo Ballesteros, Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Bureau chief Paul Labra, dance choreographer Victor Cuenco, National Bureau of Investigation chief Medardo Delemos, Crisaldo "Loloi" Rendon, Cebu Pacific Airlines, and boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.

The awardees will be given official recognition on February 22 at the Cebu City Sports Center. - Joeberth M. Ocao