President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was conferred today the Shining World Leadership Award, an international award institutionalized by the famed spiritual, charity and humanitarian leader Ching Hai, in recognition of her tireless dedication to public service specifically her efforts in mitigating hunger and poverty in the Philippines.

The President received the honor from Lin Shan-Kuo, chairman of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, during a testimonial cultural show “Puso sa Puso” at the St. Paul University auditorium in Quezon City by beneficiaries of her pro-poor projects and programs for the underprivileged sectors.

The Chief Executive watched the show which also depicted her efforts and achievements in infrastructure, food for education and environmental protection programs as well as the promotion on the welfare of the urban poor, indigenous peoples (IPs), senior citizens, out-of-school-youths, overseas workers, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Also mentioned in the testimonial event were the President’s role in the enactment of landmark bills in support of Indigeneous People’s rights that led to the acknowledgement of Muslim holidays and distribution of Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs) and the Senior Citizens Act of 2010 which gave expanded benefits for the elderly.

After the show, the President was requested up the stage to receive the leadership award from from Lin Shan-Kuo who represented Supreme Master Ching Hai.

Accounts said the Vietnam-born social leader Ching Hai founded the Shining World Leadership Award in March 2006. She also established other prestigious awards, such as Shining World Compassion Award, Shining World Hero and Heroine Awards, Shining World Honesty Award, Shining World Protection Award, Shining World Intelligence Award, and Shining World Invention Award.

The honors are bestowed on individuals, nations, and organizations – such as the 2nd President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Janez Drnovšek, Dr. Jane Goodall, and Save the Children – whose exemplary works have significantly contributed to the harmony, beauty, and sustainability of our Earth.

The Award underscored President Arroyo’s “tireless dedication to public service and loving commitment to the well-being of the Filipino people.”

On the other hand, the cultural tribute at the St. Paul University further recognized the President’s unprecedented programs in the relocation and provision of housing for urban poor dwellers including her 15 visits to attend to the welfare of occupants in the Smokey Mountain; her personal appeal to other heads of state that led to the repatriation and commutation of even the death sentences of thousands of OFWs; and her concern for disaster victims including the opening of Malacanang as temporary shelter for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy.

Among those present during the event were Education Secretary Mona Valisno and Presidential Assistant on Culture Cecille Guidote-Alvarez. (PIA9/Pagadian City)

Last update: 12-01-2011 12:39