19 Cebuanos Lauded for Inspiring Life Stories
No stumbling block high enough could hinder anyone from reaching a big dream through hard work and tenacity.
This was proven by 19 Cebuanos who were feted for their astonishing life stories during the launching and presentation of the “Istorya ng Pag-asa” last week at the Capitol.
A project of Vice President Leni Robredo, the “Istorya ng Pag-asa” (Stories of Hope) is a roving photo gallery exhibit that features ordinary people, who have risen above poverty or have overcome the difficulties that came along in their journey.
Through words and portraits, the project aims to inspire, empower and be a source of hope for others.
Robredo, together with Gov. Hilario P. Davide III, Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, and the wife of the governor, Jobel Angan-Davide, led the distribution of plaques to the honorees.
“This unprecedented project can certainly boost the morale and image of the men and women especially, if I may quote the vice president, those ‘kababayan natin na nasa laylayan’,” said Vice Gov. Magpale, co-chairman of the Provincial Women’s Council, which spearheaded the program.
Magpale said the remarkable lives of the 19 Cebuanos show that positive transformation is indeed real and not an impossible dream.
“We hope their success stories can inspire more out there who also longed to shine,” she said.
The search for inspiring stories from ordinary people started in 2016 with Cebu becoming the first province in the Visayas where the project was launched. Now, it reaches to various provinces and cities across the country.
Robredo said her office initiated the project in an effort to present a different narrative in effecting positive change.
“Sa umpisa, ang aming pangarap ay small steps lang. But we discovered a lot of very inspiring stories of ordinary people who undergone tremendous struggles but emerged triumphant,” she said.
Of the 19 recipients, 12 of them were women, including Raquel Toquero-Choa, popularly known as the “Chocolate Queen” of Cebu.
Before she carved a name in the chocolate-making industry, Raquel went into farming cocoa, selling charcoal and brooms, as well as doing laundry for others.
Other awardees include Mary Grace Bucog Pino, Juanito Bombase Luna, Francis Rosos Doble, Merry Chris Famat, Maricel Borromeo Amores, Jackerson Nicolasora Jr., Mary Ann Dimabayao, Aljen Rojas, Pintoy family, Irene Yusingco, Flora Mae Bracelino, Marevie Aricayos, Ma. Theresa Alcazar, Rovesper Sumaria, Araceli Martel Manipis and Sergio Manipis Jr., Cesario Arong Munez, Dr. Emelda Almagro and Amelita Gatdula.
Davide and Magpale extended their deep gratitude to the vice president for giving Filipino women their rightful recognition as catalysts of change for a better Philippines.
The event served as the culminating activity of the Cebu Provincial Government in celebration of the Women’s Month.
www.cebu.gov.ph
