The Bicol Region secured two major awards and one special award at the 2024 National Bayani Ka! Awards, held on Thursday, October 10, at Sequoia Hotel in Quezon City.

Among the awardees were the Castilla Fisherfolk Marketing Cooperative (CAFIMARCO) from Barangay Tomalaytay, Castilla, Sorsogon, recognized in the Operation and Maintenance Group category; the Tulay sa Tibo People’s Organization from Barangay Panganiban, Gubat, Sorsogon, honored in the Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Environmental Protection category; and Genoveva Muyco from Barangay Morocborocan, Monreal, Masbate, awarded in the Exceptional Person with Disability category.

Roberto Salgado, a representative of CAFIMARCO, emphasized the importance of community and partner collaboration in his acceptance speech.

“Ang tulaymproject na ibinigay ng KALAHI-CIDSS, ang tulay na nagpatibay at nagdugtong sa magandang ugnayan ng aming mamamayan at ng ahensya ng pamahalaan, ang DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS. Ang tulay ay patunay na ang KALAHI-CIDSS ay madaling abutin at madaling tawirin,” he said.

(The bridge project provided by KALAHI-CIDSS strengthened and connected the excellent relationship between our community members and the government agency, DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS. The bridge is a testament that KALAHI-CIDSS is both accessible and navigable.)

The Bayani Ka! Awards, themed “Tayog: Paglilingkod, Pagmamalasakit, Paninindigan para sa Bayan,” represents the highest recognition given by the Department of Social Welfare and Development through Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) to exemplary community volunteers, groups, and partners involved in Community-Driven Development (CDD).

Regional Director Norman S. Laurio praised the community volunteers for their achievements at the National Bayani Ka! Awards, as well as the nominees representing the Bicol Region.

“Their perseverance and passion for inclusive and sustainable development reflect the strength of our communities, inspiring others and continually striving for the progress of their fellow members,” he said proudly.