Posted on: Monday, February 28, 2005

United Filipino Council salutes award winners

Advertiser Staff

The United Filipino Council of Hawai'i has presented its annual Progress Awards in various professional categories.

Awardees are: Benjamin Acob, Cornelio Ancheta, Trifona Andres, Dr. Hilario Aquilizan, Yvette Butac, Erlinda Clamor, Elmer Cravalho, Noel Escobedo, Nestor Lazo, Dr. Corazon Manayan, Ruth Pfeiffer, Lolinda Ramos, Letty Saban, Gracelda Simmons, Roderick Sumagit, Estrella Pada Taong and Maria Watanabe.

Runners-up in some categories were noted: Dr. Elenita Alvarez, Jasmine Farina, Gerald Jose P. Orias, Rupert Rojo II, Doce Salazar and Venus Viloria.

The Rev. Jose "Joe" Lazo, a longtime community leader, received a presidential award for his work as an "outstanding resource person and community advocate."

Former Maui Mayor Elmer Cravalho, the keynote speaker, also received a special "Ating Kaibigan (Our Friend)" honor.

Special awards were given for achievements on neighbor islands: Elizabeth Ayson on Maui, Ronald Agor on Kaua'i and Antonia Lambayan on Hawai'i. "Sakada" recognition was given to elders from the first immigrant generation, Jose Carpio and Mariano Cabello.