By the IT staff
Celebratinggreatness in its many forms and dimensions, The Ilocos Times trains the spotlight this year on individuals—mostly common, previously unheralded folks—who performed deeds which are inspiring, great, and novel.
In this time and age, position and money are no longer the sole sources of influence and power. Fame and greatness have been democratized, digitalized if you want to call it so, and thus the advent of fresh and new heroes.
We are honored to present you The Ilocos Times’ Top Ilocanos for 2017.
Forproviding shelter to 77 residents from a lowland area in Pagudpud during the onslaught of supertyphoon “Lawin”. On the request of Mike Oida, US-based physician Macario Corpuz opened The Grimaldi Point, his home-cum-resort located on top of a hill with an excellent view of Maira-ira Beach, to the evacuees.
Originally planned to be a small vacation home, The Grimaldi Point was converted to a resort as a means to help fund a soup kitchen. The name is a tribute to the owner’s beautiful Italian wife, whose big heart decided to use a portion of the profits to help her newfound townmates. Doc Mac says his Greek-inspired resort will always be open to evacuees in time of calamity.
Mike Oida owns the Kapuluan Vista Resort and manages The Grimaldi Point.
Forliving a life of faith and virtue, thereby becoming as a good example to men in uniform.
He served as a police officer for over three decades and received a host of awards for his work. But for Marlin Ramos, there could be no greater mission than to serve God and his church. He has been a lay leader and Eucharistic minister of the Roman Catholic Church for 37 years. Aside from helping administer communion during masses, he delivers Church services to the homes of the old, weak and, sickly. He used guns and bullets to maintain order, but this former policeman, admired by many for his virtues, has shown that the Bible and cross bring forth unspeakable inner peace and joy.
Forexercising their democratic rights in shunning a leader whose 21-year rule was marred by suspected criminal activities, and for bringing forth a new leadership on which they pin their hopes for a new Badoc that is peaceful and progressive. Forsharing her moving story of courage, sacrifice, and hope.
Hazel Perdido, one of the five actors in the documentary film “Sunday Beauty Queen”, which won Best Picture in the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival, is a BS Computer Science graduate of MMSU and a native of Paoay. He chose to serve as domestic helper in Hong Kong so that she can better provide for her family. On Sundays, Hazel and a few other OFWs transform themselves into dazzling beauty queens, entertaining their fellow Filipinos and raising funds for distressed OFWs in need of help.
Forpursuing his passion and for pursuing innovative technologies in organic farming.
John Lei Ganiron is a registered electronics engineering graduate and worked in the industry for a couple of years, but he followed the yearnings of his young heart and is now a rising star in the field of organic farming, including automated hydroponics technology. The lad from Batac supervises Romaine Organics, their family-owned farm. “Doing what I love to do and trying new things keep me relaxed... switching to farming is one of the best decisions I have ever made,” he said.
Forbeing one of the country’s best Instagrammers, thereby showing us the beauty of the world through his smartphone.Russel, a registered nurse, takes photos as a hobby, but it has brought him to places, beautiful places. He was one of the lucky Instagrammer-bloggers sent by a telecommunications company to a trip in picturesque New Zealand as part of a prize in a digital photo contest. He has also done photo exhibits and has delivered talks in top schools, including the University of the Philippines.
Forrunning for public office on a platform of good governance despite lack of funds and machinery.
Darwin Domingo was no doubt the most qualified candidate for the Laoag City council in last year’s elections. Under his leadership as chairperson, Brgy. 1 (San Lorenzo), Laoag City, once known as a dreaded community, was transformed into a vibrant and model neighborhood, thus consistently bagging a string of national awards.
But Darwin, who is also an active church worker, neither had the political backing of any party nor the funds to sustain a campaign. And so many clowns bagged council seats. He lost.
Still, 2016 was not a bad year for him, not at all. On December 28, 2016 in Malacañang, President Rodrigo Duterte conferred on Darwin the highly coveted “Dangal ng Bayan Award”.
Administered by the Civil Service Commission, the award is conferred to an individual for performance of an extraordinary act or public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior prescribed by Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees”.
Forletting us feel the joy of random kindness and the spirit of sharing.
Passengers were surprised to see a tricycle driver offering free rides before Christmas. He says it was his small way of sharing the joy of the season. He believes that everyone can do something to put a smile on the faces of others.
Netizens were quick to contrast him with rude tricycle drivers who exact fares more than what is prescribed.
Thoughnot a person, this issue has gripped and riveted Laoagueños in and out of the city; as well as other people who could not believe how systematic and long the looting was going on.
Discovered in June of last year, initial reports from both the city’s accounting office and the Commission on Audit indicate that the looting started as early as at least seven years before its discovery. That it took the internal auditor that long to even believe something was wrong was both unbelievable and astounding—and thoroughly stupid.
That up to now, the final audit result remains incomplete is really stretching it. Hopefully, those who took part in this nefarious deed will be charged, convicted and jailed. And soon.
Trafficis always a problem for booming cities. In Laoag City, the traffic problem is beginning to become serious. With lots of vehicles now using limited roads, rush hour in the city is fast becoming a nightmare. And with malls, mini-malls and other commercial establishment sprouting everywhere, Metro Manila’s woes is now being experienced here even of it is piece-meal—and we do not relish it. It is on this note that we hail Laoag’s traffic aides as our local heroes.
Severely underpaid and thoroughly overworked from 6 am to 6 pm, one of the rare breeds who still persevere and help untangle the city’s traffic is Roodrigo de Leon.
The 57-year old native of Brgy. Cabungaan in Laoag City began his career in 1992 as a volunteer. At that time, he was receiving ₱300 per month courtesy of the late Laoag Mayor Ceasar Ventura’s administration.
He related that their pay only started to increase when former Laoag Mayor Roger C. Fariñas’ three terms began. Presently, he said, traffic aides receive honoraria of ₱6,300 monthly; no additional benefits, however are given them—no health insurance and no retirement funds.
A former tricycle driver, Mr. De Leon said he is sacrificing because he wants to help the city, particularly in ensuring a smooth flow of traffic around the city. He added that it also helps that his children are already grown up. He is married to Teresita de Leon.
Lifetime Achievement Award (Posthumous)
Forlaying the foundations of educational excellence as first president of Mariano Marcos State University (1978-1985) and for being the first Filipina to head a state university, a historical distinction she gained when she became president of the Pamantasan ng Lunsod ng Maynila from 1972 to 1978. Dr. Blanco, a native of Paoay, met our Creator last month, December 2016, but her contributions to the education sector will live on to benefit the next generations of grateful young Filipinos for whom she dedicated her entire professional life.