Mayor Romualdo. Mayor Yñigo Jesus Romualdo delivers his message at the Garbo sa Mambajao Awards Night, emphasizing that “excellence is measured by effort, consistency, and integrity” and affirming that the municipality’s greatest strength remains its people. (Photo courtesy of LGU Mambajao)
TheMonitorMindanaoToday.com | Mambajao honors outstanding citizens, LGUs at 2nd annual awards gala
By: Recthie T. Paculba
MAMBAJAO, Camiguin — The local government of Mambajao recognized exemplary individuals, organizations, and local government units during the 2nd Garbo sa Mambajao Excellence Award gala on December 6 at the Camiguin Convention Center.
“Excellence in Mambao is not measured by perfection. It is measured by effort, consistency, and integrity,” Mayor Yñigo Jesus Romualdo said, noting that the town’s progress is built on everyday acts of service.
He said the community’s greatest asset “remains our people,” whose commitment sustains growth across sectors.
Barangays Pandan, Poblacion, and Yumbing were named the top three most outstanding barangays. Individual awardees included Edith Villamor as Best Organic Farmer, and Benido Cagadas, and Mila Ampatin as excellence-award recipients.
In agriculture and fisheries, Alpha Jalagat was named Best Performing Organic Farmer, Crispin Señara Jr. as Most Outstanding Young Organic Farmer, and Niño Quiñones as Most Outstanding Fisherfolk.
Sectoral organizations recognized were the Balbagon KALIPI Association as Best Performing KALIPI, the Baylao PWD Organization as Most Outstanding PWD Group, and the Baylao Senior Citizen Organization as Most Outstanding Senior Citizen Organization.
Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo said excellence in the municipality is no longer an occasion; it is becoming our tradition, citing the contributions of residents across the province. He said the awardees’ work keeps the province strong and shows that progress is achieved collectively.
The governor said the town’s character, rooted in unity, responsibility and bayanihan, continues to shape Mambajao’s identity.
Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo said, “Garbo sa Mambajao is a living testament to who we are—resilient, united, and rooted in tradition while embracing progress.” He stressed that development is reflected in the work of farmers, workers, youth, and families.
“Progress is not measured by buildings or roads, but by how many lives we uplift and how many futures we help build,” Rep. Romualdo added.
The gala also recognized schools for performance in literacy and numeracy programs. Pandan Elementary School, Yumbing Elementary School and Mambajao Central School led the Best in Literacy Implementer (Elementary) Category A; Baylao Elementary School, Tagdo Elementary School and Benhaan Elementary School topped Category B; while Bug-ong Elementary School, Naasag Elementary School and Soro-Soro Elementary School led Category C.
At the secondary level, Yumbing National High School, Mambajao National High School and Tupsan National High School were named Best in Literacy and Numeracy Implementers.
Gawad Kalasag School Awards were given to the elementary schools of Agoho, Magting and Pandan, and to Yumbing National High School, Mambajao National High School and Tupsan National High School.
Tourism sector awardees included Unwind Boutique Hotel as Best Resort, Kinghorn Garden House Resort as Best in Mabuhay Accommodation, and Coraya Divers Camiguin as Best Dive Shop. In the business sector, Vinlabz Construction and Supply was named Contractor of the Year, while Jordan Go Tiu, Sixto Feliciano Du Tee and Sidney Gaisano were cited as top revenue contributors.
“The Garbo sa Mambajao Excellence Award gala is the only one of its kind in the province of Camiguin and shall expand its award categories in the coming years,” Mayor Romualdo said. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
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