by Wyu D.V. Datugan
In one prestigious night filled with dazzling ornaments, soothing music, and guests in their best Filipiniana finery, the Local Government Unit of Bayambang once again recognized outstanding Bayambangueños in the 2024 Matalunggaring Awards at Balon Bayambang Events Center, on April 2, 2024.
This year’s incredible cast of seven Matalunggaring Awardees is composed of Patricia C. Todio Annie Courtin, Senior Secretary of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a 2007 Nobel Peace Prize Co-Winner; Carmen Camacho Velasquez, a National Scientist and Pioneer in Parasitology; Dr. Nicolas Opina Miguel, with 35 long years of sterling service as a medical doctor and hospital director; Dr. Razeale Gloria-Resultay, a top academician and researcher in education from Pangasinan State University; Department of Local and Interior Government Assistant Secretary Josephine Frias Cabrido-Leysa, a woman of innovation and catalyst for positive change in government service; Dr. Danilo Lardizabal Concepcion, a lawyer who is the 21st president of the University of the Philippines; and lastly, Dr. J. Prospero ‘Popoy’ E. de Vera III, the esteemed Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education.
The event started with a red-carpet parade of the town’s biggest names led by the Honorable Mayor Niña Jose-Quiambao, accompanied by the Special Assistant to the Mayor and former Mayor, Dr. Cezar T. Quiambao, along with the winners of the 2023 Binibining Bayambang, and the previous and new batch of awardees. In addition, the awarding was attended by the top 3 educators of the country: Dr. Popoy De Vera, Dr. Danilo Lardizabal Concepcion, who came with his wife, GMA television host, Atty. Gabby Concepcion, and Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr., University of the Philippines Los Baños Chancellor.
To formally welcome the Matalunggaring Awardees, Atty. Rodelynn Rajini Sagarino-Vidad, the Municipal Administrator, emphasized that “Bayambang is truly exceptional and it’s in a class of its own.”
In an inspiring message, Mayor Niña Jose-Quiambao said that the occasion proves that Bayambang is capable of producing amazing people with substance and there is no price tag to the sense of pride and joy each annual honoree brings towards all Bayambangueños. She believed that almost all Bayambangueños are sensible enough to get touched profoundly by someone returning to their roots and sharing their honor with the town after making a difference in the world.
Finally, the most awaited part of the event was the recognition and acceptance of the golden trophy of each awardee with their family. The late Ms. Patricia C. Todio Annie Courtin was represented by her brother, Engr. Narciso Todio, while Dr. Carmen Camacho Velasquez was represented by UPLB Chancellor, Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr. The impeccable works of Matalunggaring Awardees in their respective fields made them deserving to be honored and to step onto the stage sharing emotional stories of their humble beginnings to their successes.
To end the ceremony, Dr. Cezar T. Quiambao, firmly stated that “Bayambang is capable of greatness in whatever field they choose!” In addition, Hon. Benjamin Francisco S. De Vera, the Honorary Co-Chairman of Matalunggaring Awards 2024, shared words of gratitude to everyone who attended the ceremony.
The Matalunggaring Awards was organized by the Local Government Unit of Bayambang through Sangguniang Bayan Secretary Joel Camacho and his staff, with Dr. Rafael L. Saygo, Municipal Tourism Officer and President of Bayambang Polytechnic College, serving as the Master of Ceremony.
The Matalunggaring Awardees truly serve as a beacon of hope and pride for Bayambang. Undeniably, they continue to be an inspiration for Bayambangueños to shine and, one day return to their hometown, receiving their own honors.
(Photos: Reymark Bumatay, Rich James Reloza, JMB)
