Vidal to get province's highest honor

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal will receive during today'sGarbo Sa Sugbo the Order of Lapu-Lapu, the highest award given by the Province of Cebu for great service.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said this is the first time the Order of Lapu-Lapu will be conferred.

"It is the first time, and he is the very first person who receives a very prestigious award in recognition of his dedicated service to the Cebuanos," Garcia said.

Garcia said she cannot assure the award will be given every year during the Garbo sa Sugbo because she said they must to look for a suitable person for the award.

"It must be an achievement of performance and a collective series of actions where they truly believe in agreement that this kind of person has done a great service," Garcia explained.

Other Garbo sa Sugbo 2010 awardees include Department of Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras for Leadership and Sustainable Development, JG Summit Holdings chairman emeritus John Gokongwei for Entrepreneurship and Business Development, Norkis chairman Norberto Quisumbing for Entrepreneurship and Community Development.

Other awardees include artist Sofronio Mendoza, University of San Carlos professors Resil Mojares and Ramon del Fierro and recording artist Dulce.

The Cebu Normal University, Cebu Technological University, and St. Benedict Childhood Education Center will also receive governor's citation awards.

The awarding ceremonies will be held at the Cebu Provincial Capitol.-/BRP (THE FREEMAN)