• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Philanthropist Ian Manuel Lo and nine others outstanding Cadizeños, as well taxpayers, were honored Thursday night at the Cadiz Arena, in line with the city’s 57th Charter Anniversary.
Lo, whose parents are certified Cadizeños – the late Dr. Manuel and Corazon – is a prominent figure who poured significant assistance in the city during the height of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2019.
The owner of the Negros Grace Pharmacy chain and president of the Dr. Manuel Lo Foundation Inc., he was honored as an outstanding Cadizeños for corporate excellence category.
Lo, represented by journalist Carla Cañet, in a prepared speech thanked the Cadiz City government led by Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. for the recognition.
Cadiz City holds a special significance, as the birthplace of the businesses, established decades ago by Lo’s parents, Corazon, and the late Dr. Manuel Lo, which the former has sustained its growth through the years.
Lo said the award will serve as a morale booster for him and the business sector in general, which is demonstrated by his ongoing partnership with the local government in fostering economic progress for Cadiz City.
He added that the recognition is testament to his commitment of contributing to the economic growth of Cadiz City, and his dedication of generating employment opportunities for Cadiznons.
Other awardees were Antonio Escalante, known as Chef Anton, world renowned violinist Gil Lopez Kabayao, visual artist Zarex Onatin, Architect Rolem Basiya, book author Thea Guanzon, taekwondo ace Dex Ian Chavez, Atty. Virma Gay Zymons, and environmentalist Mary Jean Tanaya.
Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. said their “great successes” in their chosen fields of endeavor are reflections of how Cadiz City is able to mold its constituents not just to become better but, perhaps, to be outstanding citizens here and abroad.
Escalante also led the conferment of awards to outstanding Cadizeños, as well as to Top 10 Advance Tax Payers, Prompt Tax Payers and Business Tax Payers. He was assisted by members of the Cadiz Sangguniang Panlungsod headed by Vice Mayor Dr. Lilia Decolongon.*
