By Ian Rosales Casocot
The wait is over. Twenty-five exceptional Dumagueteños—including 13 posthumous honorees—were celebrated as the newest recipients of the Outstanding Dumagueteño Awards during a special ceremony held on 28 June 2025 at Brooke’s Place in Batinguel, Dumaguete City. The event honored their enduring contributions to the progress, culture, and character of Dumaguete.
This is only the second time the award has been given. The first was on 23 November 1998, during the City’s golden Charter anniversary, when 16 notable individuals were recognized for their historic impact: Sen. Lorenzo Teves, Canuto Villariza, Jose “Tatang” Garcia, Ma. Concepcion Roble, Vicente G. Sinco, Dioscoro Rabor, Martin “Ting” Matiao, Dr. Ramon Ponce de Leon, Obdulia Tangente, Agapito Cang, Prof. Caridad Aldecoa-Rodriguez, Justice Venancio Aldecoa Jr., Angel C. Alcala, Dionisio “Bob” Flores, Norma Ybañez, Mariant Escaño-Villegas.
That tradition is now revived by Mayor Felipe Antonio B. Remollo, who has once again championed this initiative as a culminating highlight of Dumaguete’s Diamond Jubilee celebration.
Chaired by Atty. Mikhail Lee L. Maxino, the Diamond Jubilee Awards Committee, composed of representatives from major academic and civic institutions, selected awardees across five key categories: Leaders and Statespersons, Artists and Entertainers, Builders and Titans, Scientists and Thinkers, and Heroes and Icons. These categories reflect the diversity of fields that have helped shape Dumaguete into what it is today.
Each honoree stands as a beacon of excellence, embodying the values, resilience, and creative spirit that continue to define Dumagueteño identity in every generation.
LEADERS AND STATESPERSONS
Prospero “Rico” P. Absin
For his dual legacy as a compassionate physician and tourism icon. An anesthesiologist and tourism advocate, he is best remembered for founding the Christmas House—an iconic holiday landmark that brought wonder and warmth to countless visitors.
Leonor Magtolis-Briones
For her lifelong dedication to public service, education, and fiscal governance. A former Education Secretary and economist, she led national reforms and now heads SEAMEO INNOTECH, shaping Southeast Asian education while bringing pride and honor to Dumaguete and beyond.
MacArthur F. Corsino
For his distinguished service in diplomacy, education, and international relations. A Fulbright scholar and Sillimanian, he represented the Philippines in key global posts and remains the first Dumagueteño awarded the Knight Grand Cross of Rizal—embodying intellect, integrity, and national pride.
Emilio C. Macias II
For his lifelong commitment to public service and the well-being of Negrenses. A physician, Congressman, and Governor, he brought integrity and vision to both medicine and governance, leaving a lasting legacy of leadership, compassion, and public devotion.
Marcelino C. Maxino
For his contributions to law, legal education, and cross-cultural jurisprudence. A former Foundation University president and U.S. appellate court attorney, he authored key legal works bridging Philippine and American systems, bringing honor to Dumaguete through scholarship and service.
ARTISTS AND ENTERTAINERS
Evelyn Rose R. Aldecoa
For her extraordinary contributions to Dumaguete’s cultural life. A beloved educator, theatre artist, and performer, she transformed the Luce Auditorium into a hub for musical theatre, inspiring generations through iconic productions and her enduring legacy in the city’s vibrant arts scene.
Merlie M. Alunan
For her profound contributions to Philippine literature. A Palanca-winning poet and former Silliman Workshop coordinator, she championed regional voices and linguistic diversity. Her legacy endures in her writing, her students, and her lifelong advocacy for Philippine literary excellence.
Cesar Jalandoni Amigo
For his groundbreaking work in Philippine cinema. A celebrated screenwriter and director, his FAMAS-winning films brought depth and insight to Filipino storytelling, linking Dumaguete’s literary roots to the golden age of national cinema.
Hersley-Ven Casero
For his outstanding achievements in photography and visual arts. His striking images have captured Dumaguete’s soul and earned global acclaim, while his mentorship and creative leadership continue to inspire a new generation of artists rooted in local pride and visual storytelling.
Ian Rosales Casocot
For his multifaceted contributions to literature, film, and the arts. A Palanca-winning writer and cultural worker, he champions Dumaguete’s cultural identity, shaping its literary and cinematic landscapes while mentoring new voices and preserving the city’s rich creative and historical heritage.
Boboy Garovillo
For his iconic role in shaping Original Pilipino Music. As a founding member of APO Hiking Society, he helped define a musical era. His enduring work in music, film, and television continues to inspire and enrich Filipino culture across generations.
Eddie Romero
For his monumental contributions to Philippine cinema. A master storyteller, he created iconic films that fused history, folklore, and politics—shaping national consciousness through powerful narratives and proving that Filipino stories can be both artistically bold and culturally resonant.
Edith Lopez Tiempo
For her enduring legacy as poet, fictionist, critic, and mentor. Through her elegant, insightful writing and the founding of the Silliman National Writers Workshop, she helped shape Philippine literature and inspired generations of writers across the nation.
BUILDERS AND TITANS
Josephine Bejar Ng
For her pioneering entrepreneurship and devotion to community and faith. Founder of Jo’s Chicken Inato, she turned local flavors into a culinary legacy, while her faith-driven philanthropy, including Our Lady’s Garden in Ajong, continues to inspire and uplift generations.
Trinidad Teves-Sagarbarria
For her remarkable contributions to Dumaguete’s culinary heritage. As founder of Sans Rival Cakes & Pastries, she turned homemade delights into iconic treats—especially her silvanas and gateau sans rival—leaving a lasting legacy of tradition, flavor, and heart that continues to delight generations.
Julio D. Sy Jr.
For his visionary leadership in business and steadfast support for philanthropy and the arts. As TAO Group CEO, he empowered thousands through enterprise while championing child protection, Filipino music, and cultural initiatives that continue to enrich Dumaguete and the nation.
SCIENTISTS AND THINKERS
Claro Rafols Ceniza
For his pioneering work in metaphysics, logic, and philosophy of language. A respected scholar and teacher at Silliman and De La Salle, his influential writings shaped generations of thinkers and affirmed his legacy as a profound and imaginative Filipino philosopher.
Maria Salud F. Kho
For her exemplary service in medicine and public health. A specialist in high-risk obstetrics, she combined clinical excellence with advocacy, pioneering health programs in Valencia while teaching in top U.S. institutions—embodying compassion, dedication, and healing throughout her distinguished career.
Enrique G. Oracion
For his outstanding contributions to education, research, and public policy. A sociologist and anthropologist, he advanced understanding of governance and culture through acclaimed ethnographic work, research leadership at Silliman University, and national consultancy grounded in academic rigor and community insight.
Fr. Roman C. Sagun Jr.
For his unparalleled contributions to Philippine church history. Trained in Rome and a specialist in Latin paleography, his archival research and decades of teaching at St. Joseph Seminary have deepened understanding of faith, philosophy, and the historical roots of Filipino identity.
Valentino Sitoy Jr.
For his scholarly contributions to Philippine history and lifelong dedication to education. He was Metrobank Outstanding Teacher of the Philippines awardee and authored many books on the history of Christianity in the Philippines. He also co-authored Silliman University, 1901–1976 and wrote extensively on Oriental Negrense history, through which he enriched generations through rigorous scholarship and committed service to church and academe.
HEROES AND ICONS
Placido A. Ausejo
For his courage and patriotism during World War II. As commander of the 75th Infantry Regiment, he led the resistance in Negros Oriental with integrity and resolve. Awarded the Silver Star, his legacy exemplifies true Filipino heroism and leadership.
Lorenzo Cimafranca
For his bravery and vital role in the guerrilla resistance during World War II. His daring delivery of airfield intelligence to Allied forces led to successful air raids in 1944—turning the tide of war and securing Dumaguete’s liberation.
Bishop Epifanio B. Surban
For his visionary leadership and lasting impact on the spiritual and social life of the region. As the first Bishop of Dumaguete, he established vital institutions and championed faith, service, and ecumenical unity throughout Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
Ely Dejaresco
For his pioneering contributions to journalism and broadcasting. Founder of The Negros Chronicle and DYEM 96.7 FM, he championed press freedom, shaped public discourse, and gave voice to the community—leaving an enduring legacy in local media and regional storytelling.
The Outstanding Dumagueteño Awards matter because they honor the people—our neighbors, mentors, and changemakers—who embody the spirit of our City. Progress is not only seen in infrastructure or economy, but in the lives that inspire, uplift, and serve. This celebration affirms our shared values and aspirations as a community. By recognizing excellence among us, we encourage everyone to believe in their potential, and to contribute to a Dumaguete that celebrates integrity, compassion, and the power of human achievement.
