CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: Iloilo City Honors Outstanding Ilonggos, Employees

As Iloilo City marks its 89th Charter Anniversary, it celebrates not only years of progress but, more importantly, the people whose excellence, dedication, and service have helped shape the city it is today.

Under the theme “89 Years of Progress Toward a Better Iloilo City For All,” this year’s Charter Day celebration puts people at the heart of it by honoring Ilonggos who have excelled in their respective fields, made meaningful contributions to their communities, and devoted themselves to public service.

“These recognitions are a celebration of Ilonggos who, in their own ways, continue to make a difference. Their achievements inspire us and remind us that the progress of Iloilo City is built not only through programs and projects, but through people who choose to serve, excel, and contribute,” Mayor Raisa S. Treñas said.

During the Mayor’s Dinner on Aug. 25, the Iloilo City Government will recognize individuals and government workers whose achievements and commitment reflect the values of excellence, service, and love for the city.

Among the highlights of the celebration is the conferment of the Mayor’s Citation, the city’s highest recognition, to five exemplary Ilonggos for their outstanding achievements, invaluable contributions, and dedicated service to the people of Iloilo City.

The awardees are Dr. Resurreccion B. Sadaba, Ph.D., professor at the University of the Philippines Visayas; Febie S. Ibojos, director of Signpost Philippines Inc.; Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; Dr. Kristine Gaona Treñas, former chairperson of the Iloilo City Heritage Council; and Dr. Cynthia P. Palmes-Saloma, dean of the College of Science at the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Also taking center stage are the 2026 Ten Outstanding Ilonggos of Iloilo City, who will be honored for their distinguished performance, excellence in their chosen professions, community contributions, and significant role in developing and promoting Iloilo City.

This year’s honorees are Dr. Gracia D. Malazarte, Cynthia Concepcion-Baga, Dr. Ramon G. Zarceno, Rhea B. Peñaflor, Lucyl L. Gulmatico, Gretchen J. Demisana, Dr. Ronald R. Latap, Jefferson P. Buenaventura, Alfonso Miguel Lenard S. Tan, and Crisanto A. Añas.

On the other hand, the Iloilo City Government, through its Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Committee, also recognized this year’s Most Outstanding City Government Employees. The awards honor employees who have demonstrated excellence, dedication, professionalism, and commitment to delivering quality public service to Ilonggos.

Among those recognized as Outstanding Employees of the Year are Nora A. Calonia of the Office of the City Population Officer; Dureza D. Desbaro of the Office of the City Budget Officer; Gemma G. Sollano of the Office of the City Assessor; Janine M. Patricio of the Office of the City Agriculturist; Marites I. Gonzales of the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources Officer; Charles T. Pirote of the Sangguniang Panlungsod; Maria Donna S. Barrido of the Local Economic Enterprise Office; Juvy S. Cirilo of the Office of the City Civil Registrar; Myra Jane D. Leuterio of the Public Order and Safety Management Office/Traffic and Transportation Management Office; Bonifacio C. Andon of the Office of the City General Services Officer; Harry S. Pagmanua of the Office of the City Veterinarian; Sheryl H. Morante of the Office of the City Human Resource Management Officer; Haycee B. Sison of the Office of the City Social Welfare and Development Officer; Eva F. Layson of the Office of the City Accountant; Erwin N. Subaldo of the Office of the Building Official; Rolly S. Salvalosa of the Office of the City Engineer; Jennifer Christie P. Avenir of the Office of the City Health Officer; Danny N. Nam-ay of the City Mayor’s Office-Greening and Beautification Division; and Gerard Jude J. Ramos of the Office of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer.

The PRAISE Committee also recognized employees who excelled in their respective professions and specialized fields. Lenore R. Enriquez, RSW, was named Social Worker of the Year, while Atty. Ivan S. Tupas received the Accountant of the Year award.

In the engineering field, Engr. Ronaldo D. Ledesma and Engr. Lonie Marie R. Da-anoy were recognized as Mechanical Engineers of the Year; Engr. Christopher John R. Endriga and Engr. Josefie B. Gaspar as Civil Engineers of the Year; and Engr. Dennis D. Chong and Engr. Arnie A. Matutino as Electronic Engineer of the Year and Electrical Engineer of the Year, respectively.

The health sector was likewise recognized through awards given to Dr. Levi John D. Jimenea, Medical Officer of the Year; Alfonso Mark T. Ting, RN, Nurse of the Year; and Imelda J. Villanueva, Midwife of the Year.

Other awardees recognized for their specialized roles in public service include Lorena Joy Tupaz, EMS Responder of the Year; Jermelin D. Paclibar, Day Care Worker of the Year; Arlene B. Alvarado, Tobacco Control Staff of the Year; Jun H. Hortillosa, Urban Gardening Staff of the Year; Geraldine S. Banzale, Street Sweeper of the Year; Dennis S. Centino, Police Auxiliary of the Year; Tessa Sta. Ana-Gonzales, Traffic Enforcer of the Year; Maximino C. Jor Jr., Vector Control Staff of the Year; Lito John F. Española, Greening and Beautification Staff of the Year; Larjohn Baydo Janeo, Slaughterhouse Staff of the Year; and Constantino Ferrer Ollegue Jr., Market Staff of the Year.

“If there is one thing that I am truly proud of as your local chief executive, it is our hardworking and dedicated team here at City Hall. You are one of the reasons why Iloilo City continues to move forward, grow, and become a city that many look up to. Because of your dedication and commitment to public service, madamo kita sang mga accomplishments nga aton ginapangabudlayan kag ginapabugal. Year after year, we receive recognitions and awards—not simply because we want to be recognized, but because these are reflections of the good work that we do together,” the city mayor said in her message during the awarding.

Aside from individual employees, the Iloilo City Government also recognized departments that have exemplified outstanding performance, compliance, and achievements in public service delivery.

The PRAISE Committee recognized the top-performing offices in three categories based on their size.

Under the Small Category, the Office of the City Budget Officer was named first place, receiving a PHP 20,000 cash prize, followed by the Office of the City Civil Registrar in second place and the Office of the City Veterinarian in third place.

For the Medium Category, the Local Economic Enterprise Office emerged in first place, receiving a PHP 30,000 cash prize. The Office of the City Accountant placed second, while the Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) ranked third.

In the Large Category, the General Services Office took the top spot and received a PHP 50,000 cash prize. The Office of the City Health Officer placed second, followed by the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources Officer in third place. All winners received a Certificate of Recognition.

The department awards recognize offices that consistently uphold efficiency, teamwork, innovation, and quality public service, reflecting the city government’s commitment to a responsive and high-performing workforce.

The awarding ceremony was graced by Atty. Alma Kristina A. Amolar, acting assistant regional director and concurrent director of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Iloilo City Field Office. (Press release)