La Union honors Ilokano language champions in Region 1

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

San Fernando city, La Union—In recognition of their valuable contribution to promote Ilokano language in their respective communities, four individuals and six organizations received an award from the provincial government of La Union recently.

By virtue of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Ordinance No. 026-2012, which established “Iloko” as the official provincial language of La Union and institutionalizing its use in relevant sectors, the search for the “Kampeon ti Lengguahe Award” was initiated for the first time this year by the La Union provincial government under the administration of Governor Manuel C. Ortega and the provincial board to further promote and preserve Ilokano language in the Ilocos region.

“This is our way of giving due recognition and thanksgiving for your great contribution in promoting our culture, our language,” La Union Vice Governor Aureo Augusto Nisce said on March 2 as he welcomed awardees and their families to the “Pammadayaw [Recognition] 2015” held at the Diego Silang Hall of the La Union Provincial Capitol.

“You are a source of pride and priceless treasures of La Union,” he stressed.

Following the entrance of colors of the Philippine National Police color guards, the awardees along with their families were awarded with a plaque of appreciation which was personally handed by Governor Ortega and other provincial officials.

Based on the categories set by the La Union Language and Culture, the awardees were selected based on various selection criteria which were thoroughly assessed and validated by the said committee.

Ilocos Norte's Elizabeth Raquel

For the individual category, the awardees were: Judge Joven F. Costales (Ret.), a contributor of Bannawag Magazine, an international Ilokano magazine for Ilokanos here and abroad, Djuna R. Alcantara of the Gunglo Dagiti Mannurat nga Ilokano (GUMIL)-La Union, Elizabeth M. Raquel of the Department of Education (DepEd)-Laoag Division Office and Aidena L. Nuesca of DepEd-La Union. For the sectoral categories, the awardees were composed of the following: Office of the Sangguniang Bayan of Bagulin and La Union Police Provincial Office (LUPPO) of Carlatan, San Fernando (LGU or line agency), PureGold-La Union and Costsavers Incorporated (business) and the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-South La Union campus, Saint Louis College-College of Teacher Education and City Schools Division of San Fernando under the education sector.

Aside from the Kampeon ti Lengguahe Award, other outstanding individuals, groups and organizations were also recognized such as the annual Governor’s award, Most outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa award, Abel award, Basi award, Entrepinoy award, La Union service award, Diego Silang award and Saranay award as one of the highlights of the 165^th foundation anniversary of La Union.

With this year’s theme dubbed as “La Union @165 and beyond: Fulfilling our vision and mission. Sustaining peace, unity, and prosperity through the power of love and prayers, the local administration hopes to inspire more residents and non-residents of La Union to be part of the province’s development at present and in the coming years to come.