SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 20 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –
On Thursday, the Tenerife Island Council bestowed its Gold Medals along with the Titles of Favourite Son and Adoptive Son of the Island to remarkable individuals and organisations that have made an extraordinary contribution to the progress and welfare of Tenerife society.
The Gold Medal of Tenerife was granted to the Illustrious Official College of Physicians of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the personnel of the University Hospital of the Canary Islands, Blas Cabrera y Felipe (posthumously), and Sebastián Nicolás Delgado Díaz.
Moreover, Clemencia Hardisson Wouters, Adriana de Lorenzo-Cáceres Rodríguez, and Carolina Martínez Pulido were honoured with the title of Favourite Son of the Island, whereas the title of Adopted Son was conferred upon Vicki Penfold, José Luis Porcuna Coto, and Teresa Giráldez Fernández.
The ceremony, held at the Adán Martín Auditorium in Tenerife, was graced by the presence of the Cabildo president, Rosa Dávila, along with the first vice president, Lope Afonso.
“This act of honour is a moment to express gratitude to exceptional individuals such as yourselves, who through your life projects and professional paths have contributed to Tenerife’s advancement. What connects our honourees today is not only their achievements in their respective fields but also their unwavering dedication to a better Tenerife. They exemplify talent and knowledge directed towards the common good,” remarked the Cabildo president.
Rosa Dávila articulated her vision for the island’s future, expressing a “clear vision” in which she asserts that “knowledge and talent are the driving forces of progress.”
“Our ambition is high; we seek to fundamentally transform Tenerife, tackling longstanding challenges such as economic sustainability, the welfare of our population, and the safeguarding of our natural spaces,” she stated.
The Cabildo President also highlighted the significance of burgeoning sectors such as technology, innovation, and the knowledge economy in this transformative journey for the island.
“From the Council, we are already developing an agenda that bolsters these emerging sectors while paying homage to our roots in agriculture, industry, and tourism, which must also progress and modernise,” added Dávila.
In her address, she also acknowledged the pivotal role of the University of La Laguna in this transformative process.
THINK AND INNOVATE
“In times of significant transformation, such as those confronting Tenerife, we need institutions like universities, which are designed to encourage us to think and innovate,” she explained.
Rosa Dávila further emphasised the significance of environmental preservation and ensuring that the island’s development occurs sustainably.
“We are committed to safeguarding our natural areas and the biodiversity that distinguishes us. Development must be harmonised with the preservation of our land for future generations,” she stated.
She also underscored the necessity for progress to encompass all members of society, without exclusions.
“An advanced Tenerife is one that cares for its populace. We aspire for an island where all citizens have access to identical opportunities, regardless of their background or situations. This entails reinforcing our public services, particularly in domains such as health, education, and support for our elderly,” concluded the Cabildo president.