Zaballero, Soco TOCA awardees

CEBU, Philippines - After getting into the limelight at the Capitol, Engr. Grecilda “Gigi” Zaballero is among the recipients of The Outstanding Cebuano Award (TOCA).

Incidentally, Zaballero will be joined by businessman Glenn Anthony Soco, her father’s political rival.

Zaballero will receive the award in the field of engineering-invention while Soco in the field of entrepreneurship.

TOCA executive director, Engr. Greg Senining, said that Zaballero will deliver a message in behalf of all the awardees.

Zaballero was earlier appointed by Vice Governor Agnes Magpale as her consultant on project monitoring of which Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has questioned. This prompted Zaballero to accept Magpale’s offer as her personal consultant at P1 a year.

After the death of Sanchez in April 2011, Zaballero took care of the election protest filed by Soco against Sanchez that was recently dismissed by the Commission on Elections.

The TOCA awarding ceremony will highlight 30th anniversary celebration of DYDD’s “Tingog Sa Lungsod Program” on Saturday night at the Sacred Heart Center.

Other awardees are Gavino “Borgy” Abejo Jr. in the field of contracting; Cebu City Councilor Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa in the field of education; Junard “Ahong” Chan in the field of management; Erik Miguel Espina in the field of journalism; Cebu City Councilor Edgardo Labella in the field of public service; Loreto Maratas in the field of community service; Capt. Pompie Mondejar in the field of shipping services; and Engr. Vicente Vosotros in the field of engineering.

Now on its 12th year, TOCA award aims to honor outstanding Cebuanos on their contributions in the community and in nation building.

The award categories are extended to Cebuanos who excel in their own fields of endeavor such as in entrepreneurship, management, government service, public service, engineering, medicine, accountancy, law practice, judiciary, community service and other special awards.

— (FREEMAN)