Baguio outstanding citizens honored in city charter rites

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY -- Outstanding citizens of this city were feted during its 105^th charter day last week at the Baguio Convention Center on Sept. 1.

The Society of Outstanding Citizens of Baguio (SOCOB) headed by Baguio City National High School head Dr. Elma Donaal earlier released names of

Baguio’s outstanding citizen awardees which included educator Gloria Requilman Leal, Supreme Court Justice Marvic Mario Victor Leonen, community worker and rescue volunteer Rafael Valencia, and Saint Louis University President Father Jessie Hechanova.

Leal, a teacher who taught refugees with the English language at the then Morong Bataan center for years, came home and established the STEP school, specially for children. Together with her sister, she also pioneered a review and tutorial center. Despite her infirmity being short in stature, and with impending illnesses due to bone stunting, Ms. Leal continues to educate, not only in language but also in parenting. She sponsors less fortunate schoolchildren in the outskirts of the city, with the belief that one should “pay it forward,” so the cycle of overflowing kindness and blessing goes around.

Father Jessie Hechanova, a Bacolod-born academician and of the religious sector has been to various parts of the country and around the globe, in different capacities, is currently the president of the Saint Louis University. Home to thousands of students, the school operates under the motto: “Wisdom Builds,” and which emphasis is included “Academic excellence must be sustained with social conscience.”  

Father Hechanova has adapted well to the environs and culture of the city, immersing himself in socio-civic projects such as a halfway house for boy, medical missions, academic and sports, anti-graffiti, water, air and land pollution information and educational campaigns, re-greening efforts, children’s center and special education.

The priest-educator is also a recipient of an award as officer in the Order of Leopold II of Belgium, and a finisher of national, Asian-based and international trainings.

Another awardee, Rafael “Paeng” Cheng Valencia, of Aurora Hill, Baguio City is a familiar face during disasters and rescue work, whether in reality or trainings. With other volunteers, he has pioneered 911 emergency calls during disasters and calamities and has devoted many years to helping individuals in distress.

As documented through the years, even the smallest emergency need is responded to; whether a disabled patient’s ride to the hospital in the middle of the night, landslides or upland floods, Valencia is always available to help. He has also helped acquire needed materials and equipment for rescue, while on vacation overseas. Valencia is a cornerstone of the city’s risk reduction management council.

Supreme Court Justice Mario Victor Leonen, a true-blue Baguio boy is an awardee, considering his accomplishments in indigenous peoples’ laws, legal policy research and advocacy institution, rights and legal services for upland rural poor. Born and reared in the city, Leonen has excelled in academics, and considered as the second youngest justice in the judicial system today. Before that however, he is considered an expert in Philippine Indigenous Laws, has an unflawed command of logic and law. He has also served as dean of the University of the Philippines College Law.

All awardees underwent stringent screening through the SOCOB, thus the number. There were no organizational awardees for this year.

An awardee, “must have demonstrated outstanding involvement and achievement in the sector for which he is being nominated and must have worthy sectoral contribution or participation in socio-economic, socio-cultural and educational undertaking.”

Among others, Mayor Mauricio Domogan was a member of the search committee, with Reynaldo Bautista, Sr. as vice-president.