Cerilles was awarded Plaques of Recognition for serving as chairperson of RDC IX from 2007 and of RPOC IX from 2004. Aside from her, Atty. Arsenio Gonzales was also awarded as his term ended as co-chairman of RDC – IX from 2007.

Cerilles expressed gratitude to the “vast support of the national leadership [that] has afforded us the power to achieve more and greater things for the region.”

She also thanked the members and officers of RDC IX and RPOC IX “for your wholehearted support and cooperation that led to the attainment of thrusts for peace and development in the region.”

“We saw the supremacy of oneness, cooperation and hard work that live among us; and the determination to succeed in our collective vision for the continuing peace and development of the region,” she added.

With the success of the historic automated elections, Cerilles acknowledged the unity that both her government and the people have forged. She also urged to “leave behind the wounds of the electoral campaigns and step forward in oneness of purpose for the attainment of our collective dreams for peace and progress.”

The RDC IX established the Incentives and Awards and Committee (RDC IX – IAC) in 1998 through Resolution No. 06-98 “in consideration for the need to further strengthen the Council in its task and commitment to nation-building.” For this year, the RDC IX – IAC awarded the outgoing members of the Council, including the Chairman, the Co – Chairman, the Private Sector Representatives, and local chief executives.

Also given Certificates of Appreciation were the chairpersons of the four sectoral committees “who served for a number of years.” Special awards were also given to member – agencies which have complete attendance in meetings from 2007 up to this year.