Newsbriefs

Davide given Argao lifetime achievement award

FOR his service to the country, retired chief justice Hilario Davide Jr. received the Lifetime Achievement Award during the Garbo sa Argao (Pride of Argao) awards at the newly-renamed Secretary Cerge B. Remonde Sports Complex last Friday.

“This award just shows how the town of Argao can produce citizens who make a difference in their fields. Until beyond my life, I will love the town of Argao,” the elder Davide said.

The awarding ceremony was one of the highlight’s in the town’s fiesta celebrations last week.

Argao Mayor Edsel Galeos said the former chief justice of the Supreme Court was awarded for his “sustained advocacy in developing global communities by promoting the rule of law and for his selfless devotion in advocating justice.”

The elder Davide was born and raised in the mountain barangay of Colawin in Argao and retired as chief magistrate of the High Court on December 20, 2005.

He then served as a former ambassador of the Philippines to the United Nations (UN) in New York City. The town also awarded 11 other residents who “brought pride to Argao in their respective achievements.”

Among them were Davide’s son, Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III for his track record in governance and politics and 2nd District Rep. Wilfredo Caminero for public service.

German-Filipino Azkals player Patrick Reichelt, who traces his roots in Argao town, was also handed the award with women’s national basketball team member Allana Lim.

Posthumous awards were given to former Cebu journalists Clodualdo Bajenting. Wilfredo Veloso and town councilor Joaquin Banosong.

Banosong’s family received the award for the fallen councilor who was shot dead in June this year by an unidentified assailant near the town’s public market. Correspondent Peter L. Romanillos

Fireworks safety seminar for manufacturers

WITH Christmas less than three months away, accredited fireworks manufacturers and their staff underwent a safety seminar at the Crown Regency Hotel in Lapu-Lapu City last week.

Representatives from the National Police Commission, police and the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. based in Sta. Maria, Bulacan attended the gathering.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza said the city government is doing its best to protect the manufacturers in Barangay Babag, the only barangay in the city authorized by an ordinance to manufacture firecrackers. Correspondent Norman V. Mendoza