Barangay chief wins award

CEBU, Philippines - The barangay captain of Perrelos in Carcar City Jorge Nisnisan was recently adjudged as "Most Outstanding Barangay Captain."

Nisnisan is the first awardee of the first Mayor Mariano Mercado Public Service Award for Outstanding Carcar City Barangay Captain.

The search was launched to recognize a barangay leader who does not only work to bring material progress to his barangay but also serves as an inspiration to his colleagues and constituents.

Don Mariano Mercado once served as mayor of Carcar and admired for his dedication as a public servant.

The family of the late Mayor Mercado said that Nisnisan has introduced changes and projects in barangay Perrelos.

He is also responsible for the construction of a two-story barangay hall despite a limited budget.

Barangay Perrelos operates a 24-hour birthing center.

Nisnisan has set projects in motion that address the problems of education, health and sanitation, environment, and peace and order.

Governor Gwen Garcia who was the invited guest speaker during the ceremony congratulated Nisnisan.

Garcia also lauded the family of the later Mayor Mariano Mercado for spearheading the award to barangay officials in Carcar City.

Carcar City Mayor Nice Apura and Vice Mayor Patrick Barcenas also congratulated Nisnisan for the award.

Catalina Mercado-Lucero, 92, daughter of Mayor Mariano Mercado said Nisnisan was given the award for his excellent performance and dedication.

Nisnisan expressed his thanks to the family of Mayor Mercado for the recognition bestowed on him.

The first Mayor Mariano Mercado Public Service Award for Most Outstanding Barangay Captain was launched last September 8, 2011.

The launching coincided with his 134th birthday.

Don Mariano Mercado was born on September 8, 1877 and is considered as one of the municipality of Carcar's illustrious sons.

The people of Carcar remember Mayor Mercado as a dedicated public official who served as mayor from 1922 to 1938.

Mayor Mercado built many edifices in Carcar, a sleepy town in southern Cebu which are admired for their architectural significance at present.

The FREEMAN learned that during his term in office, Mayor Mercado built the rotunda, swimming pool, Rizal monument, and the old dispensary, all of which serve as cultural landmarks of the city.