Sangguniang Panlungsod member Ethel Gulane from the City of Bogo and Sangguniang Bayan member Atty. Ronamarie Therese Guaren from the Municipality of Oslob were hailed as winners of the first-ever Outstanding Lady Local Legislator Awards (OLLLA) for the cities and municipalities categories, respectively.
Other finalists for the cities category were Hon. Vivian Canama (City of Bogo); Hon. Annabeth Cuizon (City of Lapu-Lapu); Hon. Jennifer Del Mar (City of Mandaue); Hon. Ma. Nevhell Francisco (City of Bogo); and Hon. Emily Jusay Juanillo (City of Bogo); while finalists for the municipalities category were Hon. Coca Nicohl Bustamante (Dalaguete); Hon. Janet Hubahib (Bantayan); Hon. Thelma Jordan (Liloan); Hon. Maricar Lumain (Badian); Hon. Annette Navarro (Pinamungajan); and Hon. Natileigh Marie Therese Sitoy (Cordova).
Recognizing the significant role of women in local governance, DILG Sugbo and Lady Local Legislators League (4L) Cebu Chapter in partnership with the Cebu Provincial Government initiated the first-ever OLLLA, which aims to recognize the exemplary performance of female legislators in Cebu Island.
Gracing as keynote speaker during the awarding ceremony on November 26, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia expressed her support and commendation to DILG and 4L Cebu Chapter for the initiative.
“Women are created with a DNA for public service. We are redefining pubic service,” said Garcia.
DILG-7 Director Leocadio Trovela delivered an inspirational message and emphasized that women are not just participants in governance as they are the driving force behind positive change.
“When women are given the tools, opportunities, and support to lead, they not only rise – they lift entire communities along with them, creating a ripple effect of change that transcends borders and generations,” he said.
DILG- Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ian Kenneth Lucero, in his message, described the legislators as key actors in local governance, stressing their crucial role of legislative measures in advancing government initiatives.
Lucero received plaque of appreciation for serving as chairperson of the OLLLA Awards Committee and heading the DILG Sugbo team that crafted the guidelines/indicators of the OLLLA.
DILG Sugbo team comprised of LGOO VI Lyn Aguelo, JD; LGOO VI Jupiter Dawa LPT, RES, FA; LGOO VI Susan Tolentino, DPA; LGOO VI James Andrew Andaya, DPA; LGOO VI Deanna Mingueto; and LGOO VI Rothwel Pulido likewise received plaque of appreciation for their contributions in crafting the OLLLA guidelines as well as for serving as validators.
DILG Sugbo OIC-Provincial Director Jesus Robel Sastrillo, Jr., 4L Regional Chapter President and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Victoria Corominas-Toribio, 4L Cebu President Nerissa Corazon Soon Ruiz, and 4L Cebu Vice-President Arlene Zambo provided assistance during the awarding ceremony for the validators, finalists, and winners.
Each winner of the cities and municipalities category received P500,000 worth of infrastructure projects to be funded by the Cebu Provincial Government, P20,000 cash from the 4L Cebu Chapter, plaque of recognition, and “The Language of Local Legislation” book authored by ARD Lucero; while the finalists received P100,000 worth of infrastructure projects, P10,000 cash prize, plaque of recognition and “The Language of Local Legislation” book sponsored by 4L.
Also present were female 4L Cebu Board of Directors, city and municipal vice-mayors, city/municipal Liga ng mga Barangay Presidents, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation Presidents, DILG Mandaue City Director Johnjoan Mende, and DILG Sugbo field officers.
