Outstanding Aklanons of 2010

by AMBROSIO R. VILLORENTE

Some six (6) outstanding Aklanons will be recognized in the evening of April 25 on the 54th Aklan Day celebration. The award ceremonies will be held at ABL Sports Complex, Capitol, Kalibo presided by Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez.

There were 16 nominees for this year’s Outstanding Aklanon awards from whom six (6) were selected and recommended by the Search Committee for approval by the Provincial Governor.

Those recommended are: 1. Mr. German C. Palmani – Broadcast Journalism, 2. Ms. Stella Mijares Tejada Dy – Business and Public Service, 4. Mr. Rufino Cesar Leyson – Banking Profession, and 5. Ms. Cecile L. Motus – Community Service.

Reverend Father Regino Cortez – religion, former Rector of Letran College, Manila will be conferred Outstanding Aklanon (posthumous award).

They were selected and recommended for the award by the Search Committee chaired by Dr. Reinalda I. Magdaluyo and members composed of Rev. Father Joebert Villasis, Atty. Diego M. Luces, Ms. Sumra dela Cruz Rojo, and Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente. Engr. Roger M. Esto and Engr. Lorna Cawaling serve as secretariat. Atty. Plaridel M. Morania was also present during and participated in the evaluation.

Palmani is one of the founding fathers and pioneers in radio broadcasting in Aklan. He was the first chief announcer and station manager of the first radio station in Aklan. He worked for the survival of DYKR with meager salary in Kalibo. He even used his own personal resources to make both ends meet of his staff and employees.
In 1981, Palmani assisted in the establishment of IBC – DYRG in Kalibo. He then served as its first station manager. Palmani served as the first chairman of KBP Aklan chapter. As such, he initiated several successful projects like the Blood Bank – PNRC. It was Palmani’s chairmanship when KBP Aklan chapter was awarded the Most Active Local Chapter Nationwide.

Ms. Stella Mijares Tejada Dy owns the Doll Joy Industries, ATOH Manufac-turing Corporation and Sandy (Dolls) USA. Since 1977, she employs 300 workers in her corporations producing dolls. She is a silent donor to various churches and community projects in Aklan and even in Metro Manila.

Geronimo D. Ortega worked his way to college. He completed Bachelor of Science In Commerce major in accounting.

After graduation, he started working as typist in 1952 until he was promoted to Branch Manager of DBP Butuan City branch in 1978, and DBP Antique in 1982 until 1986.

In 1986, Ortega was elected member of the Sangguniang Bayan of Makato but he only served for three months.

He was prevailed to be the Treasurer/Business Manager of Iloilo Mission Hospital, Iloilo City. He turned around the bankrupt hospital and collected several awards for effecting its survival.

Today, Ortega is Administrative Officer of Saint Gabriel Hospital, Kalibo and OIC Manager of Makato Rural Bank.

Rufino Cezar Leyson is a cum laude graduate of Northwestern Visayan Colleges, Kalibo where he finished Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Accounting. He was awarded Outstanding Student. Leyson served as president of Aklan Bankers Association in 2006.

Ms. Cecile L. Motus finished Master of Arts in Teaching English from the University of Hawaii, Honolulu. But before her Masters degree, she completed BSEd at the University of San Carlos, Cebu City.

Ms. Mutos represented the Philippines to some international conferences concerning migrant workers. Since 1991, she is working as Regional Liaison officer for Southeast Asia, International Catholic Migration Commision station in Virginia, USA. /MP