El Cabildo de La Palma celebra su 112 aniversario con reconocimientos a entidades y profesionales esenciales para la Isla

The Cabildo de La Palma commemorated the 112th anniversary since its founding by recognizing nine entities and individuals whose significant contribution is «fundamental to understanding the Island,» highlighted President Sergio Rodríguez.

The Palma president emphasized in the celebration of this 112th anniversary of the Institution that the Cabildo «integrates and represents all Palma residents,» reviewing the historical journey since Pedro Pérez Díaz proposed the creation of an island corporation for each of the islands.

Therefore, he noted that the Cabildo «is the common house,» which, meeting its objectives, also allows for the celebration of the second edition of the Insular Awards, expressing «the most sincere recognition to individuals and entities that stand out for their virtues, that facilitate and make life more enjoyable for their fellow human beings; that contribute to the social and material progress of our Island,» he emphasized.

In his speech, Sergio Rodríguez recalled that La Palma has a long tradition of fighting for rights and equal opportunities. That is why the awards «visualize and reward the merits that, from various professions and vocations, represent the awardees; individuals and institutions whose honest dedication is above interests and vanities,» he added.

These are times, he indicated, in which «we must strengthen the spirit and reality that animates our history and assert, with the greatest firmness, the values and attitudes related to equality, tolerance, openness, responsibility, respect for diversity, intercultural perspective, democratic participation, environmental care, and the sense of belonging to a free, educated, and honorable community.»

Sergio Rodríguez also emphasized, referring to the awarded individuals and entities, that «all, whether born on this Island or outside of it, are now from La Palma,» adding that «they already know what it means to carry in the soul the essence of a terrestrial paradise, an Eden sculpted by volcanoes and caressed by the sea breeze. They know that being from La Palma is to feel the heartbeat of the earth beneath their feet, the ancestral strength that emanates from every corner of this magical island.»

Finally, Sergio Rodríguez highlighted that, with these Insular Awards, «we make it clear what all of us present feel: the satisfaction of being from this land.»

Awards

In this way, the insular Cabildo unanimously agreed in the Solemn Plenary session to award the Insular Prize in the category of Culture and Historical Heritage to the Folkloric Group Echentive, to the Association Caballos Fufos, and posthumously to the artist José Alberto Cabrera Rodríguez. In the category of Science and Innovation to Jesús Martín Fernández; in the category of Outstanding Career for Professionals in the Public or Private Sectors to Yurbin Magdalena Viñas Bello, and in the category of Other Exceptional Merits to Alfonso Escalero Suz. Finally, in the category of Social and Community Action, the awarded entities are Funcataes and Solidarity Foundation, as well as Carmen María Acosta Lorenzo.

The Folkloric Group Echentive has been a fundamental pillar in the preservation and dissemination of Palma folklore for fifty years, while the doctor Jesús Martín Fernández has excelled in recent years in neurosurgery by developing a test based on artificial intelligence to identify and preserve patients’ emotions during awake brain surgeries.

On the other hand, Carmen María Acosta Lorenzo has been a central figure in the festive and cultural development of the Carnival of La Palma, with over 40 years of experience alongside the Neighborhood Association Tirimara de Argual to enrich the cultural life of the community and strengthen the world of Carnival on the island of La Palma.

Alfonso Escalero Suz, CEO of the company I love the World, played a crucial role during the volcanic eruption of Tajogaite, as his documentation and information dissemination work was essential to keep the population and the world informed about the evolution of this natural phenomenon. Additionally, he contributed generously to the social and economic recovery of affected individuals by donating the profits from the publication ‘The other stories of the volcano’.

The Canarian Solidarity Foundation La Palma represents a benchmark in the Beautiful Island in the care and attention of dependent elderly people. An entity that celebrates 25 years of existence this year, but whose social trajectory, always in favor of the most needy people, dates back several decades before its founding year with various solidarity activities.

In relation to José Alberto Cabrera Rodríguez, he is one of the great artistic exponents of the Beautiful Island from the late 20th century to the present 21st century, especially linked to the art of engraving. A creative passion that he cultivated from a young age in the universe of plastic arts. In this case, it is a title that will be given posthumously to this artist in recognition of his career in the world of culture.

Yurbin Magdalena Viñas Bello has a distinguished career in the judicial field. Currently, she is a member of the Body of Legal Clerks of the Administration of Justice on leave, and since February 2020, she has been part of the prosecution career with the category of Prosecutor in the Territorial Section of La Palma, belonging to the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. She is the only prosecutor of the natural territorial section of La Palma, making her a reference for the legal profession on the island.

The Caballos Fufos, celebrated on the eve of San Miguel Arcángel, every September 28 since 1909, have increased their popularity, both inside and outside the Villa and Puerto de Tazacorte, becoming the most anticipated festive moment for residents and tourists of all ages. In 2007, the Plenary of the City Council of the Villa and Puerto de Tazacorte approved the motion presented by Unión Bagañeta to declare the Dance of the Caballos Fufos as a Cultural Interest of the Spanish State (B.I.C.).

Regarding the Canarian Special Taburiente Foundation, FUNCATAES, it began its journey in 2009 although it had been carrying out its work through the Taburiente Occupational Center since 1978. As an entity, it has always had as its main objective to collaborate in the care of people with intellectual disabilities and their environment, providing educational and care means for their integration into society. Additionally, it has contributed to the socio-labor integration of people with intellectual disabilities, while promoting leisure and free time initiatives that favor the autonomy of individuals, reinforcing their self-esteem and their ability to navigate in different realities and environments.