TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte – As the Chairman of the Search Committee of the Outstanding Regional/Council Commissioners and Regional/Council, Vice Governor Joey G. Pelaez paid tribute to all the awardees during the Awarding Ceremony for the 2015 Tribute to Scoutmasters, Outstanding Regional/Council Commissioners and Regional/Council Chairpersons held in Tagum City, Davao del Norte last 21 May 2015. In his speech, Vice Governor Pelaez highlighted the importance and incessant search for well-meaning and capable individuals serving in utmost selflessness. According to Vice Governor Pelaez, it is also essential to give these individuals due recognition for their noble service in bringing “happiness and making this world a better place to live”. The Vice Governor added that the awards that these individuals received are not just “colorful ribbons and medals”, they are tokens of “respect and appreciation”. “No, you cannot buy these ribbons; because they are priceless. They are made not of gold or silver or bronze; they are made of faith in humanity. They are crafted by millions of young hands, decorated with innocent smiles of the young and made stronger by the aspirations of those who believe in the power of love,” Vice Governor Pelaez said. He also found relief that despite the “harsh world of technology and massive commercialization,” there are still people who are willing to take the sidelines so that the “generation of would-be-leaders and good citizens of the future” can excel. He also stressed that life in the service is not a walk in the park. Calling them heroes, Vice Governor Pelaez said that they are imperfect human beings “joining the world in search for greatness and perfection.” “But this is real, right before us is a group of people who dare to be different; those who believe that there is still hope to save humanity from falling down the abyss of apathy, hate and discrimination,” Vice Governor Pelaez added. Vice Governor Pelaez says Scouting is his second home and that it is an honor for him to be standing side by side with “ordinary men and women in flesh and blood who dare to be different by giving a little too much of what they could actually give”. Present in the event were BSP President Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, Senior Vice President and Acting Secretary General Atty. Wendel E. Avisado, Scoutmaster Search Committee Chair Cabadbaran City Mayor Dale B. Corvera, and Zamboanga del Sur Governor            Antonio H. Cerilles, among others.