Talisay honors modern heroes with first Bravest Award

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Talisay City in Negros Occidental on Monday launched the inaugural “Talisay’s Bravest Award,” a first-of-its-kind recognition for individuals and teams who showed extraordinary courage and selfless service during disasters and emergencies.

Talisay City Mayor Rowena Lopez Lizares led the ceremony on Nov. 24, 2025, during the city’s flag-raising rites, highlighting the award as a celebration of bravery, duty, and community resilience.

“This award honors those who run toward danger when others retreat,” Lizares said.

The city also distributed T-shirts to day care students as part of National Children’s Month, along with life vests for Bantay Dagat personnel and bulletproof vests for the Talisay Special Weapons and Tactics team.

These initiatives reflect the city’s continued investment in public safety and community welfare.

Plaques of recognition were presented to the first batch of “Talisay’s Bravest” awardees for their bravery during Typhoon Tino and Typhoon Uwan, including:

• Talisay City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office headed by Geofferey “Spyxe” Gutierrez;
• Talisay City Primary Care Facility headed by Dr. Joy Gladys Guanzon;
• Talisay City Social Welfare and Development Office headed by Dionela Madrona;
• Bureau of Fire Protection–Talisay City headed by FSINSP Joebert Sanao;
• Talisay City Component Police Office headed by PLTCOL Alvin Christopher Baybayan; and
• Kusina ni Mayor Weng under the Community Affairs Office.

Special citations were also awarded to the Talisay CDRRMO for their participation in a Collapse Structure Search and Rescue mission in Bogo City, Cebu.

The late Rocky Billones was honored posthumously for his heroism and service during Typhoon Uwan.

“As Talisay City commemorates this milestone, the inaugural ‘Talisay’s Bravest Award’ stands as a tribute to modern-day heroes and a reminder of the city’s commitment to nurturing courage, compassion, and exemplary public service,” Lizares said.

“Today, Talisay City salutes its bravest — those who run toward danger when others seek safety,” she added. “May this first-ever recognition serve as an inspiration to all, as [we] continue building a city where courage, compassion, and public service always shine through.”