Jonas one of 10 Outstanding Cebuanos

CEBU, Philippines – Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes is one of the recipients of the Ten Outstanding Cebuanos Award.

The awarding ceremony, to be held tomorrow at the Sacred Heart Center, D. Jakosalem Street, Cebu City, will be the main highlight of dyDD "Tingog Sa Lungsod Program" 28th anniversary celebration.

Senining said the TOCA award is supported by the Sugbuanong Komentaristang Nagpakabana, Cebu Breakfast Club, and Cebu Association of Media Practitioners.

This was announced yesterday by Engr. Greg S. Senining, executive director of the Executive Committee of the Ten Outstanding Cebuano Award program of DYDD Bantay Radyo's "Tingog sa Lungsod" program.

Senining said Mayor Cortes has been chosen as one of the awardees for his pro-poor programs in Mandaue City.

The Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor had awarded Mayor Cortes as "urban poor-friendly local Chief Executive" because of his concerns and dedication to the poor residents of his city.

Senining said Cortes had also initiated a program that uplifts the lives of city residents through different cooperatives.

When Cortes assumed office, a number of foreign governments and non-government organizations here and abroad pledged their support to his plans and programs.

Among those who had pledged included the Netherlands government, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Bill Gates Foundation, ASEAN Commission for Housing Rights, Justice Peace, Integrity of Creation, Gawad Kalinga, Philippine Action for Community-led Shelter Initiatives.

Businessmen in Mandaue City also show their confidence in his administration.The other awardees include Engr. Nestor D. Archival, Sr. in the field of En-gineering & Environment; Atty. Democrito Barcenas in the field of Law; Carlo J. Caparas in the field of Scriptwriting & Film Directing; Gloria Sevilla-Cortez in the field of Movie Production and Acting; Atty. Mariano Y. Cui, Jr. (Hospicio de San Jose de Barili) in the Field of Community Service; Bro. Nonito "Tatay Dodong" A. Limchua (Cebu Catholic Television Network, INTV- CCTN), in the field of Journalism; Prisca Niña O. Mabatid in the Field of Entrepreneurship; Iluminado M. Ornopia in the field of Sports & Promotions; and Danilo B. Rodis in the field of Management.

Now on its 10th year, Senining said TOCA award aims to honor outstanding Cebuanos for their contributions in the community and in national building. The award categories are extended to Cebuanos who excel in their own fields of endeavor. 

A nominee must be a Cebuano, either natural born, by consanguinity, or by affinity; must be able to attend in the awarding ceremonies, and must have a high level of performance in the field for which they are nominated.  (FREEMAN)