Posted on by Raf Sofia Centeno

Heroes rise not from capes, but from the courage to stand up for what is right and serve without expecting anything in return just like the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) community volunteers in Rizal, Palawan.

In a historic initiative, the municipality of Rizal in Palawan proudly hosted the first-ever Municipal Bayani Ka! Awards in the Philippines on November 16, 2023 at the training hall of the said municipality.

According to Rainheart Arce, the KALAHI-CIDSS Area Coordinator, the awards night was suggested by the community volunteers and inspired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office MIMAROPA’s Regional Bayani Ka Awards, wherein the Ilog Farmers and Irrigators Association (IFIA) from Rizal, Palawan, received the region’s Exemplary Operations and Maintenance Group award.

The Municipal Bayani Ka! Awards of Rizal adopted some guidelines, criteria, and program flow from the region and added special awards to recognize all the Barangay Development Council-Technical Working Group (BDC-TWG) Presidents and Treasurers including those who have significantly contributed to the program this year.

The winners of the inaugural Municipal Bayani Ka! Awards are as follows:

  • Exemplary Leadership (Local Government Unit) | Mr. Roselito K. Macahipay, Barangay Chairperson of Punta Baja
  • Exemplary Leadership (Community Volunteer) | Mr. Rolly M. Badenas, Barangay Campong Ulay
  • Exemplary Woman | Mary Jean Tiangse, Dep-Ed Teacher
  • Exemplary Indigenous People (IP) | Estrella Amis, Procurement Team Head
  • Exemplary Senior Citizen | Modesta Mahinay, Barangay Chairperson of Taburi


The event was marked by a sense of unity, empowerment, and pride, as community members came together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of their fellow citizens. The Municipal Bayani Ka! Awards underscore the importance of acknowledging and promoting the spirit of Bayanihan through the Community-Driven Development approach of KALAHI-CIDSS, where ordinary citizens work collectively with the local government units in planning, implementing, and sustaining development projects.

As the first municipality to host the Municipal Bayani Ka! Awards in the Philippines, Rizal, Palawan, set a commendable precedent for other municipalities to follow. The event not only celebrates the accomplishments of the winners but also serves as an inspiration for others to emulate their commitment to community service.
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