Mandaue gives recognition to 20 outstanding students

CEBU, Philippines - Twenty outstanding high school students from public and private schools in Mandaue City were awarded in recognition of their exemplary performance in the field of academic and community service.

The 20 outstanding students were awarded the other day in a simple ceremony at the Mandaue City hall grounds, with 18 of the awardees coming from public schools.

Maricel Yu, the focal person of the Mandaue City council for the Protection of Children said the award was initiated by Sarah Cortes, the wife of Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, in order to inspire the youths of the city to do good acts.

Madame Sarah, who heads the council, has also embarked on the construction of Children’s Center, a halfway house for street children.

Topping the awardees was John Keith S. Mazo, 16, a fourth year student of St. Louis College-Cebu, who said he hopes that what they have achieved will also inspire others.

John, 16, is a consistent first honor student since he was in grade school.

His academic obligation did not hamper his extra-curricular and community involvement: president of the school’s supreme student government; editor of the school paper, Lousian; president of Rotary Club; CAT battalion commander; peer facilitator; orator and debator. He was also involved in religious activities as a lector during masses and in music wherein he plays the keyboard, violin, and piccolo.

Other awardees, Sheila Mahusay, Mandaue City Comprehensive NHS; Angelica Conde, Labogon National HS; Danie Mae Ybanez, Mandaue City Science HS; Ma. Liza Zarate, Mandaue City Comprehensive NHS; Khanna Blithe Cortes, Mandaue City School for the Arts; Chad Errol Booc, Pagsabungan NHS; Angel Perez, Tabok NHS; Mary Charity Gwen Calban, Paknaan NHS; Ma. Nieves, Matilde Mercader, Mandaue City Comprehensive NHS; Jan Louie Mendoza, Mandaue Ebenezer Alliance Academy; Ruel Briz, Subangdaku Techvoc School; Ma Jessa Cereno, Cabancalan NHS; Hero Yuki Oplado, Maguikay NHS; Jayvee Armamento, Don Gerardo L. Ouano MNHS; Divine Saludaga, Tipolo NHS; Fernan Salimbongcogon, Canduman NHS; Charlette Joyce Dawaton, Subangdaku Techvoc School;Rhoda Ulgasan, Jagobiao NHS; Shera Mae de Gahira, Canduman NHS.

Also awarded for their contribution to street children were World Vision Development Foundation, Children’s Legal Bureau, Danish volunteers, Christian Eckist Buddhist Union, Foundation and Girlie Suico.

Each of the awardees received a plaque of appreciation from the city government and P2,000 which they can claim from the city treasurer’s office.