Mayor Francisco García emphasized the importance of "ordinary people" and their contribution to the "common good" during the Honors and Distinctions ceremony in Santa Lucía de Tirajana. The event, held at the Víctor Jara theater in Vecindario, recognized the work of various individuals and groups who have shaped the city's history and development.
Among the honorees, physician José Sánchez Alvarado received the title of Favorite Son, while municipal social worker Hortensia Pérez Cabrera was named Adopted Daughter. Both were recognized for their selfless dedication to public service and the well-being of residents.
The Tirajana Idols awards were presented to the regional assembly of the Southeast (Social), entrepreneur José Bolaños (Economic), municipal worker Antonio Ramírez (Sports), the Folkloric Group Amor Canario (Identity), the Municipal Animation Workshop and Francisco Alemán (Culture), Antonia Alí (Solidarity), and Noelia Vera (Equality and Diversity).
García underscored that the history of Santa Lucía is built by both public officials and those who, from anonymity, work for progress and helping others, specifically mentioning the work of the Red Cross and the dedication of those promoting local culture and sports.
The Mayor also highlighted the contribution of entrepreneurs like José Bolaños in job creation and the importance of solidarity, exemplified by Antonia Alí in her support for Palestine, and the bravery of Noelia Vera in defending human rights.
Quoting Galdós, García concluded that it is essential to recognize those who, often forgotten, have forged the city's collective memory, ensuring that today's honorees transcend in memory for their positive impact on Social Services, health, sports, volunteerism, solidarity, and culture.
Hortensia Pérez Cabrera, speaking on behalf of the awardees, expressed gratitude for the recognition and recalled her decades of work in Vecindario, focused on eradicating poverty and improving residents' quality of life, initiating pioneering social programs such as the psycho-pedagogical cabinet and day centers.
The event, hosted by Adrián Cruz, featured a musical performance by Iván Quintana and Juan Sebastián Ramírez, who presented a repertoire of Canarian and Latin American music.
