By Lemuel San Gabriel, Raizza Mae Acuzar, and Cedric Allen Katigbak
This year’s outstanding citizens of Los Baños received trophies and plaques from the government officials of Laguna. (From L-R: Hon. Mayor Caesar P. Perez, Southern Tagalog Presidential Adviser Jose Maria N. Hernandez, AFP Chief of Staff General Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr., Outstanding Police Officer – PSSG Romualdo B. Esguerra, Jr., Outstanding Public School Teacher, Secondary Level – Marlu P. Parot, Outstanding Municipal Government Employee – Field Personnel Irene L. Bautista, representatives from the Outstanding Civil Society Organization – Rotary Club of Los Baños, Congresswoman Ruth M. Hernandez, Governor Ramil L. Hernandez, Hon. Vice Mayor Antonio L. Kalaw). (Photo taken by LCSanGabriel)
One of the highlights of the second day of the week-long celebrations for the 18th Bañamos Festival themed “Tagumpay ng Bayan ay Matatamasa ng Mamamayang Nagkakaisa” was the awarding of the outstanding citizens of Los Baños.
The commemorative program for the 2019 Los Baños Outstanding Citizens and Taxpayers was held at the Multipurpose/Evacuation Center in Brgy. Baybayin. The municipal government recognized the most outstanding teacher, government employee, police officer, and civil society organization, well as the top ten outstanding business establishments for being the most responsible taxpayers.
The awardees include:
- Outstanding Public-School Teacher: Marlu P. Parot,
- Outstanding Municipal Government Employee: Irene L. Bautista,
- Outstanding Police Officer: PSSG. Romualdo B. Esguerra Jr. and,
- Outstanding Civil Society Organization: Rotary Club of Los Baños
The recognition for the outstanding citizens of Los Baños aimed to acknowledge the individuals’ utmost commitment and competence to their line of work. Parot was recognized for her meaningful contribution to the development of the community, specifically the youth. Bautista, on the other hand, was commended for her dedication for being a public servant and having been efficient beyond office hours. Lastly, PSSG Esguerra Jr. was also recognized for his exemplary efforts for police operations against all forms of criminality which helped the revival of trust and confidence to the whole Philippine National Police.
The top ten business establishments taxpayers were:
- Los Baños Doctors Hospitals and Medical Center Inc.
- Waltermart Supermarket Inc.
- Robinsons Supermarket Corporation
- Puregold Price Club, Inc.
- Grand Union Supermarket Inc. (South Supermarket)
- HealthServ Los Baños Medical Center
- Sanford Marketing Corporation (Savemore)
- Laguna Water District Aquatech Resources Corporation
- Mercury Drug – Los Baños, Laguna
- Mercury Drug Corporation
These business establishments contributed highly through paying their tax diligently as a responsibility of their line of work. These taxes reflect mostly on the future of the town through different municipal and congressional projects the people ought to see.
Gracing the recognition ceremonies were Laguna Governor Ramil L. Hernandez together with his wife, 2nd District of Laguna Representative Ruth Mariano Hernandez.
In her message, Rep. Hernandez emphasized that “the very key to success ay ‘yung sama-samang pagkakaisa ng mamamayan. Hindi namin kaya alone ang mga challenges na kinakaharap natin, we need the support and contribution of everyone.”
Also present in the event were the different schools, barangays, employees of different establishments, and representatives from the different sectors in Los Baños.
Shirley Labita from San Antonio Elementary School shared that the recognition of outstanding citizens serves as an inspiration for the members of the Los Baños community. She added that “…doon sa mga nanalo na lalong higit pa nilang pag-ibayuhin ang pagiging mamamayan ng Los Baños, (at) mamuhay nang alinsunod sa alituntunin ng Los Baños. At sa amin naman na hindi pinalad na manalo, siyempre pinagpupunyagi pa rin naming balang araw ay magiging outstanding din kami.”