Two Oriental Negrenses will be conferred with the Outstanding Award for Excellence, 6 p.m. Sunday, at the Freedom Park stage in Dumaguete City, as highlight of the Buglasan Festival awarding rites.

They are Dr. Fe Sycip-Wale in the field of community service and rural development, and Col. Cirilito Sobejana for government and public service.

Wale is known for her missionary work in improving the health condition of the people in the community, and for being able to tap sectors to develop cooperative and innovative approaches to health care.

She manages the Marina Clinic in Dauin town, that was built by her late father, Don Daniel Sycip, who owned the Sycip Plantation in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental. The Clinic is in partnership with the Silliman University Extension Program. She recently received the Bayaning Filipino award from ABS-CBN Region 7, and was recognized as an outstanding alumnus of SU in 2000.

Sobejana, meanwhile, risked his life in an encounter with at least 150 Abu Sayyaf rebels at Sitio Caro, Brgy. Lower Kipayawan, Isabela Basilan in 1995. The then commanding officer of the 1st Scout Ranger Company, 1 st Ranger regiment of the Philippine Army, was hit in the lower arm but his injury did not stop him from leading the group until the firefight ended.

A native of Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental, Sobejana received the Medal of Valor from the government in recognition of his personal bravery and self-sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty.*MA

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