By: Enjenette D. Baroa

            “We didn’t expect to make it to the top. Our sacrifices were really worth it,” said Hon. Patrick G. Escalante, Cadiz City Mayor, as Cadiz City grabbed the 3rd place of the Most Outstanding Local Government Unit under Component/Independent Component City category in the 2010 National Literacy Conference and Awards, September 8-10, 2010, Teacher’s Camp, Baguio City. For the very first time the City government tackled one of the greatest challenges in education: the eradication of illiteracy in the entire city, through its banner program called, PROJECT BADING (Better Education through Alternative Delivery of Integrated and Nurturing Grassroots Programs) conceptualized by the City’s Literacy  Coordinating Council headed by former City Mayor and presently the 2nd District Board Member Salvador “Bading” Escalante, Jr. as the Chairman and Dr. Xz B. Dignadice, Schools Division Superintendent as Co-chairman. “Nothing happens, unless first a dream,” a statement fervently uttered by the Schools Division Superintendent herself during the awarding ceremony. The goal that was once a dream now comes to a realization as the group of Cadiznons proudly represented and waved the banner nationwide. Among the agencies present during the ceremony were personnel from the DepEd, DSWD, LSB, and the strong leadership and partnership of incumbent Mayor Patrick G. Escalante and Vice Mayor Samson C. Mirhan.