HEROISM, HEART FOR POOR EXEMPLIFY THIS YEAR'S OUTSTANDING ZAMBOSURIANS--POE

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (September 17, 2016)--"It is an honor to stand side by side with dedicated and selfless men and women from this beautiful province who have done much for our country," said Sen. Grace Poe at the 2017 Outstanding Zambosurians Awards held at the Provincial Capitol in Pagadian City in celebration of the 64th Araw ng Zamboanga del Sur.

Poe arrived at the province Thursday where she topped in the last presidential elections to recognize homegrown exemplars who have made a difference in Filipinos' lives.

This year's Outstanding Zambosurians were Annie Egipito-Sitjar for agriculture, Erlinda Chan-Salera for education, Dr. Rosario Ubas-Saniel for academe, Albert Paran for culture and arts, Gladys Duenas-Uy for fashion, Erminda Cagampang for women empowerment and Ernesto Bautista, Sr. for culture and arts.

"Taglay nila ang puso, pagmamalasakit at kadakilaang nananalaytay sa pagkatao ng mga Pilipino," Poe said as she marveled at the achievements of the awardees.

Poe handed the awards to the Zambosurian exemplars with Zamboanga del Sur Gov. Antonio Cerilles, Vice Gov. Ace Cerilles, Reps. Aurora Cerilles and Divina Yu. The trophy symbolizes unity among Muslims, Christians and the Subanen tribe.

The senator also took the occasion to underscore the importance of "rearing our children" properly to be able to build a promising and inclusive future for the succeeding Filipino generations.

"Ang pundasyon ng ating yamang tao ay sapat na pagkalinga, pag-aaruga at nutrisyon upang ang bawat bata at kabataan ay lumaking may pag-asa at tibay sa laban ng buhay," Poe said.

Prior to the Awards Night, the senator was toured by Cerilles and local officials to the provincial sports complex, a pride of the province. She also graced the yearly dance festival where participants warmly welcomed the daughter of the late King of Philippine Movies and National Artist Fernando Poe Jr.

Last Friday, Poe toured the provincial market where she touched base with ordinary folks and patronized local goods.

Poe took the time to stay for two days in the province to be with Zambosurians and hear their sentiments regarding her committees' current priorities that include deliberations on the proposed Emergency Powers to address transport woes and the Freedom of Information to institutionalize transparent and open governance.