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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider A great city is built by its people – Mayor Isko at Gawad Manileño 2026

A great city is built by its people – Mayor Isko at Gawad Manileño 2026

Published Jun 18, 2026 05:53 pm

Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso highlighted the role of citizens in shaping a stronger and more compassionate capital by honoring outstanding individuals, institutions, and organizations during the Gawad Manileño 2026 held on Thursday, June 18, at the Metropolitan Theater.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso delivers his keynote address during the Gawad Manileño 2026 at the Metropolitan Theater. (Photo courtesy of Manila PIO)
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso delivers his keynote address during the Gawad Manileño 2026 at the Metropolitan Theater. (Photo courtesy of Manila PIO)

The ceremony, themed “Pagpupugay sa Kahusayan at Paglilingkod (Salute to Excellence and Service)" and “Matatag sa Hamon, Pinagtibay ng Panahon (Strong against Challenges, Fortified by Time)," was part of Manila’s 455th founding anniversary celebration, which carries the theme “Matatag sa Hamon, Pinagtibay ng Panahon.”

In his keynote message, Domagoso underscored that the Gawad Manileño is more than a symbol of recognition, but a long-standing tradition honoring excellence and public service among Manileños.

He added that the true measure of a city’s success lies in the character and compassion of its people.

“A great city is not built by the government alone; it is built by the citizens who choose to care,” the mayor said.

Vice Mayor Angela Lei “Chi” Atienza opened the program, which included performances and recognition rites for individuals and groups across various sectors.

Among those honored were top real property and business taxpayers, both individual and corporate, as well as employers recognized for generating jobs for Manileños, highlighting the private sector’s role in sustaining the city’s economic growth.

The awards also recognized exemplary Manileños in fields such as environmental stewardship, youth development, socio-civic work, sports, mass media, culture and the arts, public health, education, law enforcement, and the judiciary.

Awardees included Barangay 412, Zone 42, for environmental efforts; Universidad de Manila–Bahaghari for youth development; Bekshie ng Maynila for socio-civic work; and Gilas Women’s basketball athlete Quinn Kacey B. Dela Rosa for sports.

Also honored were media personality Czarina Marie “DJ Cha Cha” Balba-Guevara, fashion designer Patis Tesoro, Senior City Prosecutor Aris B. Panaligan, Judge Carolina C. Icasiano-Sison, Police Captain Felino P. Nebato, Dr. Grace H. Padilla of the Manila Health Department, and education leader Dr. Rhodora Angela Fernandez Ferrer.

A posthumous award was conferred on veteran broadcast journalist Misael “Boy” Gonzales Jr., while City Department of Engineering and Public Works  Construction and Maintenance Foreman Tagumpay W. Vergara received the Gawad Rajah Sulayman. Commission on Audit Chairperson Gamaliel A. Cordoba was awarded the Gawad Gat Andres Bonifacio.

Addressing the youth, Domagoso encouraged them to draw inspiration from the awardees and to use their success to uplift others.

“Ang Maynila ay hindi dakila dahil ito ay kabisera ng bansa. Dakila ang Maynila dahil sa mga Manilenyong araw-araw na lumalaban, nagsisikap, nagmamalasakit, at nagmamahal sa kani-kanilang kapwa (Manila is not great because it is the capital of the country. Manila is great because of the Manileños who every day fight, strive, care, and love their fellowmen),” he said.

City officials said the Gawad Manileño continues to celebrate the spirit of service and excellence among Manileños, reinforcing the idea that the city’s strength lies in the collective efforts of its people.

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