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Top Ilocos sons, daughters receive Fr. Burgos Award
By Freddie G. Lazaro

VIGAN CITY -- An outstanding lawmaker, a multi-awarded lawyer, a former Cabinet secretary, a well-known fashion designer, a prelate emeritus and an international sports champion were among 15 recipients of the prestigious Father Jose Burgos Awards in this year’s celebration of the 2nd Kannawidan Ylocos Festival.

The honorees were award at the provincial capitol last week coinciding with the recognition of the 28 "living treasure awardees" and the giving of 42 Siglat awards to the top-performing barangays in the province.

The award ceremony was the highlight of the 7th day of the 2009 Kannawidan Ylocos Festival.

Ilocos Sur Gov. Deogracias Victor "DV" B. Savellano announced the 15 Father Burgos awardees as follows: Baguio City Rep. Mauricio G. Domogan, native of Quirino town, Ilocos Sur (public service); Monetary Board Director and Manila Bulletin columnist Nelly Favis-Villafuerte, native of Vigan City (public service); Dr. William D. Dar, native of Sta. Maria town (agriculture); Dita Sandico-Ong (fashion designing) and Archbishop Emeritus Edmundo Abaya (religion).

Other awardees were international bowling champion Christian Jan "CJ" R. Suarez (sports); Olympian Gerardo Rosario (sports); international chess tournament medalist Daniel Lemi Alibin (sports); Composer Minervina Dario Singson (music); Lorenzo Mata (education); Dr. Antonio Lahoz (medicine); painter David Taisa Pichay (arts); National Artist Fidel Antiporda Go (arts); Mr. Bienvenido Rodriguez and Mrs. Milagros Rodriguez (business); and Mrs. Visitacion Javier (business).

Savellano said conferment of the Father Jose Burgos Awards was authorized by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 06, series of 2008, approved on Jan. 16, 2008.
The award was named after Father Jose Burgos, one of the three priests who were executed during the Spanish colonial period.

"The Father Jose Burgos Award is the highest recognition given by the provincial government to all Ilocos Sur residents who were national or international achievers or had rendered outstanding service to the Filipinos.