San Juan to celebrate 98th Foundation Day

The municipality of San Juan, led by Mayor Joseph Victor Ejercito, will celebrate its 98th Foundation Day on March 27 by recognizing exceptional groups and individuals who have excelled in their chosen careers and contributed largely in the town’s progress.

The awardees will be honored in a dinner reception dubbed as "Pagkilala sa mga Natatanging San Juaneño" at the Club Filipino on March 28.

"Before, we only celebrated this special occasion through simple ceremonies like fun-runs or free shows at our town plaza. This year, we want it to become more meaningful and significant by acknowledging outstanding institutions and people who support our development program," Ejercito said.

"We value our town’s history and heritage by implementing programs and activities that are both practical and worthwhile. In two years, it will be our centennial anniversary and I want it to be remembered by everyone," the mayor added.

On top of the list of awardees are five employees who rendered the highest service record in the municipal government, namely: Jose Chua, Teodora Gapas, Crisanta Cruz, Belen Martinez and Florante Felix.

Likewise, recognition shall be given to its top 10 taxpayers that contributed a large share in the town’s income over the past two years, namely: Samsung Electronics Philippines Corp., Ortigas & Co. Ltd. Partnership, Pediatrica Inc., Filinvest Land Inc., Unimart Inc., Integrated Computer Systems Inc., Ford EDSA Inc., Pacific Sugar Holding Corp., Westmont Pharmaceutical Corp. and Unilab Nutrition Inc.

Nine outstanding individuals also made it in the interview and selection process and shall be awarded as well on March 28. They are Susan Dominguez (elementary school teacher), Josefina Jones (high school teacher), John Castro (elementary school student), Salvacion Latagan (high school student), Inspector Ricardo Marzo (policeman), SFO2 Pacito Dancel (fireman), Catherine Morado (barangay kagawad), Ernesto Diaz (barangay tanod) and Ana Maria Liquido (barangay health worker).

Non-government organizations such as Kiwanis Club of St. John, San Juan Pinaglabanan Jaycees, Rotary Club of Makati East, and Rotary Club of Makati San Lorenzo will also receive plaques of appreciation from the municipal government.

"We plant to establish and institutionalize the search for outstanding San Juaneños. We are hoping to improve the mechanics and categories involved each year. Thus, expect that next year’s program and selection process would even be better," the mayor said.