BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan led the launching of the Search for Outstanding Citizens of Baguio (SOCOB) at the University of Baguio Centennial hall last Tuesday.
Joined by members of the elite group, the mayor and head of the search committee Atty Betty Lourdes Tabanda announced that nominations will be open up to April 30; with screening, judging and announcement of awardees mid-August. The awards would be conferred on selected outstanding citizens during the Charter and Baguio day celebration, September 1.
The search committee members to scrutinize the nominations are, Dr. Rachel Bugtong, Marlene de Castro, Rebecca Domogan and Patricia Gallardo-Marcelo; while the screening committee is composed of Sonia Dao-as as Chairperson, with members Donna Rosario, Philippine Information Agency Regional Director Helen Tibaldo, Atty. Richard Stone Pooten, Dr. Amparo Rimas, Mr. Rafael Valencia, and Engr. Susan Angaga; all outstanding citizen awardees. The committees were created by administrative order 013, 2018, issued by the mayor last week.
Nominees are deemed to be persons who made “extraordinary contributions for the betterment of Baguio and people through work, advocacies and accomplishments,” which is beyond their occupation or line of duty, it was known. A resident of Baguio for at least ten years, though not necessarily continuous; the nomination may be done by any individual or group.
The nominees must never have been convicted of any crime, and “has good a good reputation, credibility and respectability in the community,” the guidelines state. There are many out there worthy of nominations, the mayor said.
Nomination forms can be requested from Ryan Dale Mangusan at the City Mayor’s Office and PIA-RD Helen Tibaldo; or downloaded at https://www.facebook.com/groups THE SEARCH FOR OUTSTANDING CITIZENS OF BAGUIO. Submissions with supporting documents on April 30 are at the same offices.
A nominee has to undergo a process, including acceptance of the nomination; submission of local and national clearances, and supporting documents of accomplishment; verification and validation by a committee; and a panel interview before the board of judges led by the mayor.
Testimonies of the continuing deeds of SOCOB members were also given during the launching. /Julie G. Fianza