City to recognize modern-day heroes

CEBU, Philippines —  In time for the celebration of the National Heroes Day, the Cebu City government will be honoring tomorrow individuals that have brought pride and honor to Cebu.

The recipients of this year’s Modern-day Hero Award are Philippine Accessible Disability Services (PADS) Adaptive Dragon Boat Racing Team and Leo Borromeo, a speedcuber.

Bryner Diaz, officer-in-charge of the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission, said the recipients were chosen by the commission and the Office of the Mayor.

“The purpose of the award is to give honor and recognition to individuals who excelled in their field, thereby giving honor and pride to the city as well,” he said.

The first recipient PADS Adaptive Dragon Boat Racing Team, which is composed of physically-challenged members, has given honor to Cebu for getting the gold trophy during this year’s China Construction Bank (Asia) Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races last June 24.

“PADS finished first in one minute and 33.91 seconds to retain their title in the 400-meter standard boat international paradragon category. It bested the home squad Golden Eagle (1:41.33) and the NAAC Top Brilliance Dragon Boat Team of Taiwan (1:45) who finished in second and third place, respectively,” read the CHAC’s press release.

Borromeo, for his part, has brought pride and honor to Cebu by winning as first runner-up in the Rubik’s Asian Championships 2018 in Taipei, Taiwan at a tender age of 10 years old.

Both recipients will receive plaques of recognition from the Cebu City Government during a short program.

The National Day Heroes Day celebration will start with a Holy Mass at 7:30 a.m. at the Cebu City Hall grounds.

Diaz said the CHAC and Cultural and Historical Affairs Office started giving the Modern-day Hero Award last year.

The awardees last year were Cebuana Marathoner Mary Joy Tabal, who successfully represented the country at the 2017 Southeast Asian Games with a gold medal, and the family of the late Crisanto Amoranto who was given a Posthumous Award after he was gunned down for helping a woman who was being robbed in Barangay Carreta last year.

Diaz said they decided to continue conferring awards to deserving individuals to encourage other people to emulate their achievements and never settle for mediocrity.

PADS CEO and Manager John Paul P. Maunes said they are honored and humbled to be given the prestigious award.

He said the team has been silently bringing pride and glory to our country in the national and international sporting arena for the past two years.

“Our only objective was to give hope to thousands of Filipinos and Cebuanos who remain hidden in the shadows of denial, self-doubt, depression and shame because of the stigma attached to their disabilities.  May the story of our paddlers uplift their spirits, rekindle their hearts and make them believe that nothing is truly impossible. Sports is the greatest equalizer. Blood, sweat and tears have been the key formula behind the success of this team. May the impact of our story become that beacon of light,” Maunes said.

He added they are grateful to those who believed and supported the team.

“This recognition is for you all. Our combined disabilities are our greatest strength! We are very happy that the Cebuano community took notice of the team's achievements. May this award become a platform for more opportunities for the team and its athletes,” Maunes said.

He added that they are looking at partnering with the Cebuano community in amplifying their story and advocacy. — GAN (FREEMAN)