The Honors Project (THP) awards Villahanons with exemplary performances

By EMY C. BONIFACIO, Samar News.com
December 15, 2010

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  The organizers of “The Honors Project” chaired by Ms. Elizabeth Gelera, announced proposals to award Villahanons with outstanding or exemplary performances in their chosen fields. At least, 14 categories are being considered in the proposed awards. The information was contained in Mr. Cesar Torres’ letter, dated November 20, 2010, addressed to Villareal Mayor, Renato Latorre.

The 14 categories include a recipient for an Outstanding Fisherman’s Award, Outstanding Civic Leader Award, an Outstanding Priest Award, Outstanding Young Villahanon Award, Outstanding Barangay Award, three (3) Outstanding Elementary School Teachers Awards, Outstanding Police Officer’s Award, two (2) Outstanding Young Artist Awards, Outstanding Musician’s Award, Outstanding Farmer Award and Outstanding High School Mentor Awards.

Cash and in-kind prizes are at stake for winners who will be adjudged by a selection board, to be composed of Villahanons. The cash incentives will mostly come from friends and relatives of distinguished and respected personalities whose memories are being honored for having excelled in their own craft and whose lives made a difference to most people of Villareal.

Mr. Torres mentioned the names of Edele Dalwatan Vegamora, Esdras Romano Villanueva, Boots Fua, Ms. Gilbuela Mendoza, Atty. Ranulfo Mendoza, Ms. Aster Tandinco Hilvano, Mr. Ramon Hilvano, Ms. Felisa Gelera Rafin, Mr. Virgilio Latorre, Mr. Carlos Valera Jr., Ms. Socorro and Ms.Ygat Segado as providers of the cash awards.

Since its conceptualization, the (THP) coordinated with the Office of the Mayor and the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Reynato Piczon for its formal implementation. In fact, Mr. Torres recalled having visited the legislative council in one of its scheduled sessions to explain the details of the project. Unfortunately, there was no quorum. Likewise, Torres was not able to discuss the possibility of the inclusion of the awarding activity with the Fiesta Executive Committee since Mayor Latorre was then preoccupied with his new appointment as President of the League of Mayors in the Philippines (LMP), Samar Chapter.

In the same letter, Mr. Torres, appealed for the rescheduling of the THP awarding ceremony from December 2010 to March 11, next year to enable him to attend a back-to-back national conference with the Philippine Political Science Association (PPSA) and the Department of Political Science gathering at the same time, here in the Philippines.

As of press time, THP organizers successfully awarded the lone Outstanding Spear Fisherman from Brgy. Pangpang held during the eve of their town fiesta celebration. Cash amounts were awarded to fishermen who use the traditional methods of fishing and do not engage in dynamite fishing. Moreover, an incentive for the barangay folks to engage in sustainable environmental activities like general clean-up drive in their community was also provided.

In a related story, two (2) minor collateral projects were also considered by the group. One of which is the grant of a financial assistance to two children in Brgy. Pangpang, who were assessed to be of dire need. The assistance was coursed through the DSWD who will plan for sustainable livelihood projects for the families of both kids.  Another project is the dispersal of piglets to selected beneficiaries province-wide.