On the occasion of 73rd Year Founding Anniversary of the Municipality of Lasam, the Awarding Ceremony for the inaugural Search for Innovative Lasameño Awards (SILAW) was held during a Cultural Night on June 13, 2023 at the Natalged a Lasam Arena.
SILAW recognizes innovative, outstanding Lasam individuals, their achievements, and contributions to society, and more importantly, to their hometown.
The 2023 SILAW Awardees were led by Atty. Edgar R. Lara for Law and Government Service, who was a notable member of the House of Representatives, from the Second District of Cagayan. Among the bills he sponsored was the house bill creating every 13th of June as "Aldaw ti Lasam." The Awardee also served as governor of Cagayan for two terms and contributed to the establishment of the Cagayan State University, among others.
Dr. Amelia C. Medina for Health and Medicine, for her sustained support to Lasam through provision of free medicines. She was instrumental so that our Municipality could avail of other forms of health programs from the Department of Health (DOH) during the pandemic. She continues to extend help to benefit many Lasameños.
Febe Marl G. Paat, PhD for Academe and Education, for her guidance, mental health, and professional development lectures in and out of the university that illuminate minds of all ages. The Awardee also has a pivotal role in scouting that inspires leadership among young women, and is active with her community development advocacy for education.
Abraham A. Pigao, Jr. for Arts and Culture, for building a strong foundation of culture and arts in the Municipality. The awardee spearheads artistic and cultural initiatives promoting local heritage, motivating the young to explore their artistic side leading to cultural development, an important facet of a progressive community.
Five SILAW nominees—Lasameño men and women achievers with sterling qualifications—were invited to the inaugural awards.
Ahhlyn C. Danguilan, PhD for her achievement in education and volunteerism for public safety.
Greg M. Ramil for his pioneering strides in his information technology (IT) professional practice.
OFW turned agricultural school founder Lamberjack B. Jurado, who is also an electronics and communication engineer.
Multi-awarded marathoner Nehemias Ian Q. Piza who inspires young athletes, and is a source of pride for his hometown.
Roselily A. Medrano is formerly with the Lasam Institute of Technology, now Head Librarian at the UP Diliman-College of Education, and a staunch reading advocate.
As it was the inaugural of SILAW, Committee Chair Franklin R. Calso explained the rationale and mechanics for SILAW at the start of the program. One rule is, a prospective SILAW awardee should be nominated by somebody and may still be nominated in the following year/s, if not awarded. Moreover, a SILAW awardee may be nominated again in another category, and could become a SILAW Hall-of-fame awardee after winning in three categories.
For this year’s SILAW, only Philippine-based nominations were accepted. In 2024, however, a Lasameño abroad may already be nominated. Nominations will be accepted starting January, with the last working day of April as the deadline.
The jury that evaluated the nominations was composed of Engr. Wilfredo B. Dingayan, a former official of the National Irrigation Administration; and educators Mercita M. Agbayani, and Jerry M. Castillejo, PhD.
Mayor Agatep congratulated the 2023 SILAW awardees: "I would like to express my admiration to your outstanding achievements in your respective fields of expertise, and I extend my gratitude to the efforts that you continue to do, to contribute for the development or improvement of our beloved town."
The SILAW Awarding Ceremony was held within the Cultural Show highlight of the town’s 8th Tinupig Festival that run from June 7-13, 2023.#
—Alfred Ursua
Photos by Jurado Digital Studios