By Freddie Velez
CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan—The Provincial Government of Bulacan, headed by Governor Daniel R. Fernando recently recognized 14 modern-day heroes through Gawad Dangal ng Lipi held recently at The Pavilion in Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here.
DANGAL NG LIPI 2019 AWARDEES--Governor Daniel R. Fernando (8th from left) and Vice Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado (10th from left) with the Dangal ng Lipi 2019 winners during the awarding ceremony held at The Pavilion in Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center, City of Malolos, Bulacan recently. (Freddie C. Velez/ MANILA BULLETIN)
“Salamat po sa inyong legasiya, sa ating mahigpit na pagtutulungan, ang ating kultura ng kahusayan ay mananatiling matibay na bigkis ng pagkakaisa at inspirasyon ng ating mga kalalawigan sa patuloy na pangangarap ng magandang buhay,” Fernando said.
Fernando said the Dangal ng Lipi is one of the most anticipated and important events in the weeklong celebration of Singkaban Festival where families and friends reunite to share the pride and celebrate the remarkable achievements of the sons and daughters of the province.
Named Outstanding Bulakenyos were Director Wilfredo M. Cruz from Calumpit (Agriculture); Dr. Ace C. Lagman from Baliwag (Education); Earl Patrick D.L. Forlales of San Rafael (Science and Technology); Jose Espineli “Joonee” Gamboa of the City of Malolos (Arts and Culture-Performance); Oliver C. Marquez of Calumpit (Arts and Culture-Visual Arts); Mika Aireen M. Reyes of Pulilan (Sports); Atty. Pacifico G. Eusebio, Jr. of Pulilan (Entrepreneur); Engr. Gloria S. Correa of San Ildefonso (Trade and Industry); Atty. Antonio A. Ligon of San Miguel (Community Service); Mahistrado Maryann Corpuz-Manalac of Baliwag (Professional); Yolanda D. Abaca of San Miguel (Bulakenyo Expatriate); Dr. Jose Raymundo R. Carlos of the City of Malolos (Health); Lt. Gen. Felimon T. Santos, Jr. of San Rafael (Public Service in the field of Military Service); and Chairman Michael G. Aguinaldo of Bulakan (Government Service).
COA Chairman Michael G. Aguinaldo encouraged public servants to always put the best interest of the public, showcase professionalism, and love the country just like what is stated in “Panunumpa ng Lingkod Bayan.”
“Hindi lang pag-iisip na sakripisyo ang pagsilbi sa gobyerno. Hindi siya sakripisyo. Isa siyang pribilehiyo at dapat ipagkapuri natin ang pagsisilbing ito, ang paglilingkod sa bayan,” Aguinaldo said.
Vice Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the Dangal ng Lipi is the local government’s way to appreciate and recognize the contributions of Bulakenyos.
“Ang kanilang buhay at pamumuhay ay kinakitaan ng malaking pagmamahal at pagmamalasakit sa kapwa na maghahanay sa kanila sa piling ng mga bayani ng lahing kayumanggi at liping katagalugan,” Alvarado said.
According to the Provincial Planning and Development Office, Gawad DNL secretariat, the nominees underwent thorough screening and selection processes.
Gawad DNL awards program is part of the culminating activities of this year’s Singkaban Festival with the theme “Sining at Kalinangang Bulakenyo, Dangal ng Filipino.”