AN ABERYSTWYTH businessman has won a prestigious international award for his charitable service.

Benjamin Manluctao, owner of the Central Fish Restaurant on Chalybeate Street and former president of Aberystwyth Lions Club, has been handed the Lions Club International President’s Distinguished Leadership Award.

The award is given to Lions Club members who have demonstrated significant leadership qualities and contributions, and to those who have given themselves unselfishly in the service of making a difference in the lives of others.

But Mr Manluctao, who was recognised for his efforts helping impoverished communities in his home country of the Phillipines, was not present to collect his award when it was officially presented by the Lions Clubs International President, Robert ‘Bob’ Corlew, during the MD Convention in Blackpool last month.

Perhaps fittingly, Mr Manluctao was continuing his Lions projects in the Phillipines, including collecting, repairing and redistributing unwanted spectacles from people in the UK.

Mr Manluctao told the Cambrian News this week: “The thought of those in desperate need of help still motivates me.

“The smile on the faces of thousands of children who we have helped as a club to acquire the basics of literacy for a better future.

“Their happiness when we drew the first clean and sanitary water from the pumpwells we have drilled, the sparkle in the eyes of those who received their reading glasses, the pleasure of watching hungry children having food — their memory will always be a source of strength to carry on.

“It makes all the sacrifices worthwhile.”

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