The Quezon City government recognized nine QCitizens and two institutions for their excellence in different fields that contributed to the city's development during the 20th Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal on Thursday, Oct. 27.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Vice Mayor Gian Sotto led the awarding ceremony themed "Sama-samang Pagbangon sa Bagong Panahon" at the EVM Convention Center in the city. It is part of the celebration of Quezon City’s 83rd founding anniversary.
"Ang pagpupugay na ito ay hindi lamang pagkilala sa mga natatanging hiyas ng ating lahi. Sabi nga ni Presidente Quezon, ang inyong tagumpay ay hindi lamang tagumpay ng ating bayan, kundi maituturing na yaman ng diwa ng buong sangkatauhan. (This honor is not just a recognition of the unique gems of our race. As President Quezon said, your success is not only the success of our people, but can be considered treasure of the human spirit)
I dare say that the accomplishments that we are celebrating today are real treasures of the human spirit," Belmonte said.
Among those who received the award were former Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, a retired general for the Philippine Army, for being one of the leaders of the National Task Force Against Covid-19; Dr. J Prospero de Vera, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairperson, for being an exemplary academician who supported quality education to give opportunities to the Filipino youth; and Adarna House Vice President and School Director of Raya School President Ms. Ana Rosa S. Almar, for being advocating progressive education, literature and of all things Filipino.
Also honored were Ms. Ditta Sandico-Ong, a visionary fashion designer who embraces sustainable and environmentally-friendly production processes that creatively transform indigenous fibers (banana, pineapple and abaca) into fashion art forms; Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Managing Director for Strategic Communications Antonio Joselito Lambino II, for his genuine and sincere public service that improved the country's financial position; and Ms. Sonia Malasarte-Roco, co-founder of “Our School,” a center for childhood education at the Ateneo Psychology Department and the Metro Manila Community Orchestra, a community-based orchestra composed of young musicians.
Ms. Therese Clarence "Reese" Fernandez-Ruiz, president and founding partner of Rags2Riches, a social enterprise established in 2007 that empowers Quezon City-based artisans through fashion and home products that follow the principles of environmental and ethical production; Mr. Alfredo Macam-Yao, founder of Zest-O, Macay Holdings, Inc. and Philippine Business Bank; and Mr. Danny Buenafe, the News Bureau Chief of ABS-CBN Europe and ABS-CBN Middle East were also cited.
The two institutions that were cited were World Vision, the largest non-profit organization that is committed to protecting and caring for the indigent and vulnerable children in the country; and Estrel's Caramel Cake, a cake shop known for its caramel cakes, which according to the city government, is among the best in the world.
"To our esteemed awardees, I would like to commend you for reaching this far. The length and excellence of your service to the city makes you worthy of receiving this prestigious Manuel Luis Quezon Gawad Parangal," Sotto said.
The Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal, which started in 2002, recognizes individuals and institutions' exemplary performance in various fields such as government service, education, humanitarian and community service, arts and culture, science and technology, social work and media arts, according to the city government.