A total of 215 exceptional Malabueños, including public servants, professionals, and students, were honored at the 39th Gintong Parangal Awards 2024 on Saturday, Nov. 23.
The awardees with their certificates and medals from KaSaMa (Photo by Hannah Nicol)
The ceremony, held at the Malabon Sports Complex and themed "Malabon sa Makabagong Panahon,” celebrated individuals who have excelled in various fields, from education to community leadership.
Awardees included students with Latin honors, board passers, international competition winners, and professionals such as doctors, educators, artists, and community leaders.
The Gintong Parangal Awards highlighted these individuals' dedication, perseverance, and achievements, motivating others to contribute to the city’s progress.
Some of the Outstanding Citizens Award recipients included Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera, internationally acclaimed visual artist addressing themes of poverty and human rights; Dr. Susan C. Cruz, a pediatrician devoted to patient-centered care for children; Dr. Jesusa Bulotano, principal of Don Bosco Technical College who is dedicated to advancing education; Dr. Edward Dennis Cruz, an ophthalmologist who has been serving Malabueños since 1988; Rosemarie Bosch-Ong, Senior EVP and COO of Wilcon Depot for her driving innovation in operations and sales; Msgr. Rolly Ramos-Dela Cruz, Rector of Manila Cathedral for inspiring spiritual growth;
Pencil Diestra, a renowned fashion designer featured in Philippine Fashion Week; Editha Faustino, founder of Amber Golden Plate, a pioneer in culinary and business leadership; Brig. Gen. Antonio Francisco, commander of the 710th Special Operations Wing, Philippine Air Force; and Gerard Frondozo Jr., founder of Malabon’s first IT software company.
The other awardees included educators, public safety officers, and business leaders, such as Yang Jaison Jai, known for the “One Toothbrush, One Smile” initiative, and Cielo Ortega-Reboredo, a seasoned hotelier.
Mayor Jeannie Sandoval (Photo by Hannah Nicol)
Mayor Jeannie Sandoval congratulated the awardees and emphasized that their hard work and sacrifices have significantly impacted their fields and the Malabon community.
“Pagbati sa mga mahuhusay na Malabueñong pinarangalan sa kaganapang ito. Inyong ipinakita ang inyong sipag, tiyaga, talino, at galing at nagbigay ng mahahalagang kontribusyon sa inyong mga larangan sa sa inyong edukasyon (Congratulations to the outstanding Malabueños honored here. You have demonstrated hard work, perseverance, intelligence, and excellence, making significant contributions to your fields and education. We salute your achievements),” she said.
“Ang inyong sakripisyo ang naghatid sa inyo ng tagumpay. Kayo ay ipinagmamalaki ng bawat Malabueño (Your sacrifice has led you to success. You are a source of pride for every Malabueño),” the mayor added.
Sandoval also encouraged the awardees to keep striving for excellence and inspiring their fellow Malabueños, as the local government works towards building a better Malabon with the support of the community.
The KaSaMa, a non-profit organization, has been instrumental in promoting unity and cooperation among Malabon’s social, civic, professional, and educational groups.
Through its humanitarian and civic initiatives, the organization strengthens community involvement both locally and internationally.