The city government here recognized the outstanding citizens and groups who have made a difference in the lives of Bacolodnons during the 86th Charter Day Program held at the Bacolod City Government Center grand lobby Tuesday night.

Three received the highest recognition of the “Ang Banwahanon Award” while three others received the “Be The Change Award”.

In a statement on Wednesday, Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya, who joined Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez in giving out the awards, hoped the awardees inspire more people through their service and show of Bacolodnon values.

“There is no more fitting way to celebrate the city’s 86th year than to thank and honor those who have helped shape Bacolod into what it is today,” he said.

The recipients of the “Ang Banwahanon Award” are restaurateur Nestor “Aboy” Evaristo, volunteer firefighter Bryant Lao, and Gold Hearts Club founder Marigold Ponce-Tangco.

Institutionalized through City Ordinance No. 494, the “Ang Banwahanon Award” is the highest form of award or recognition that a Bacolodnon can receive, whose life or service deeply impacted the economic, cultural, sports, social, moral, and educational development of the city.

Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said that Charter Day is the time for the city government to recognize the individuals who contributed to the development of the city.

“These are exemplary individuals and companies that have made Bacolod what it is today,” the mayor said in his message.

Highlighting Bacolod’s transition into a “super city,” Benitez said the city also wants to have “superpersons.”

“The Be The Change Award” was given to Fairly Pretta, a senior Psychology student at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, who is extending help to an elderly man and his mentally ill son.

Another recipient is Sagup Negros: Food and Waste Mitigation Initiative, a group dedicated to rescuing food waste and transforming it into quality meals.

Edwin Segovia, a Grade 6 teacher at Banago Elementary School II, was also recognized for leading the “School Supplies Mo, Sagot Ko” program.

City Ordinance 1042, also known as the “Be the Change Ordinance,” enacted in 2023, mandated “The Be the Change Award” to recognize Bacolodnons who uphold and display good citizenship and their good and noble deeds, setting an example for others.

Groups and institutions that assisted the city government in delivering water supply to households affected by drought due to El Niño from March to May this year also received the Mayor’s Citation. (PNA)