Fisherman, ambulance driver lead Dangal Balangueño awardees

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – “In my years of service, I never expected that a simple man, much less an ambulance driver, can receive this big award.” These were the words of a teary-eyed Silvestre R. Tuazon, Jr., an ambulance driver from the city government of Balanga, when he received the Dangal Balangueño award, the highest recognition for outstanding city individuals.

Tuazon is among the 10 exemplary individuals, who were recognized during the annual awards night held April 24 at the Plaza Mayor de Balanga. Raring to go night and day as an ambulance driver for 18 years, Tuazon is the recipient of the Public Service award.

The awardees received the Dangal Balangueño award from Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III, Vice Mayor Noel Valdecañas and members of the Multi-Sectoral Governance Coalition (MSGC). “We will never forget how these individuals shaped the city in their own little, big ways. We will continue looking for these outstanding people and recognize them to serve as examples to others,” said Garcia.

“How can a fisherman win this award?” This was the rhetoric question raised by Dangal Balangueño awardee for Fishery, Roberto F. Manlapaz after receiving his recognition. Only finishing elementary education, Manlapaz is the eldest of eight children who learned the ropes of fishing at the age of 11. This early exposure to hard work honed him later in life to take responsibilities especially in helping the needy in his barangay even if he himself was also struggling. Despite this, he was able to support the studies of his three children who are now working in an accounting firm, as an information technologist in USA, and as a computer engineer in an international tech firm.

Award for big and small MSGC President Dr. Ariel Ilaya, chair of the award selection committee, said this year’s roster of Dangal Balangueño awardees show that no small names that have done big will be missed. “Winning this award is not only for those who have big names, with high status or are popular. There are inspiring people who may not be seen but their actions have been of impact to the community,” said Ilaya.

Balanga’s best A lawyer, author and journalist, Judge Leonardo P. Reyes received the award in the field of Law. The Barangay Tuyo native served as a judge at the Metropolitan Trial Court and at the Manila Regional Trial Court. He also founded the Bataan Press Club and published the first Filipino journalism book.

Bataan Women’s Hospital founder Dr. Salud A. Bagalso is this year’s Dangal Balangueño awardee in the field of Medicine. Believing in that righteousness is a foremost value, Bagalso has been giving free medical service to women every Women’s Month and to prisoners in partnership with various organizations.

In the field of Education, 80-year-old Lourdes L. Valdecaňas who has devoted most of her life—31 years in the academe, to be precise and still counting bagged the award. She is still serving as college instructor at the Tomas del Rosario College.

“I was not born in Balanga but my life, love and service has always been for the Balangueños,” said Dangal Balangueño awardee for Community Development Milagros Banzon. A native of Albay and nurse by profession, she married Engr. Oscar of Balanga in 1974 and has since been a religious advocate, business proprietress and civic leader in the city.

A pioneer in the establishment of the Pawikan Conservation Center that has been protecting thousands of marine turtles, Dangal Balangueño awardee for Government Service Rosalie V. Ona currently serves as one of the board of trustees of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement. As the current provincial director of the Department of Science and Technology in Bataan, the Barangay Cupang-native has assisted in the expansion of various businesses, in and out of Balanga.

If our Dangal Balangueño for Business is asked for three indispensable ingredients for her recipe of success, the time-tested values of hard work, persistence and dedication will constitute the chef d’oeuvre. The businesses of 79-year-old Erlinda Santos has employed hundreds and served as fruits of her bravery in risking investments to grow establishments. Among them are the Balanga Shopping Center, Romalus Pawnshop, EGS Pawnshop, Jewelry and Money Changer, EGS Jewelry Shop, Santos Commercial Complex, Headzone Salon, Serenity Health SPA and EGS Pawnmart.

For 59 years, the Balanga Rural Bank has been the silver lining of lowly citizens including farmers, fishermen and market vendors who strive to keep their heads above water. With its chairperson Rosario R. Banzon, the Dangal Balangueño for Banking, at the helm, the common city folks will continue to relish their hopes of making their dreams come true. Rising from the ranks as a teller, Banzon now helps the community especially during disasters through her own means and with the aid of various institutions.

“We need more farmers, but less and less become one. I will continue to inspire people to go back into farming and planting trees,” said Anthony S. Villanueva, who received the award in the field of Agriculture. A native of Barangay Tuyo, his expertise are on hybrid rice production, palay check, mango production and organic farming. From encouraging citizens to plant trees and protect the environment, Villanueva raised his advocacy into providing safe and healthy food for Balangueños.