MANILA, Philippines — Nine individuals and two institutions on Thursday received the Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal from the Quezon City government for their exemplary performance and priceless contributions to their respective fields.
Mayor Joy Belmonte and Vice Mayor Gian Sotto led the awarding ceremony of the 20th Gawad Parangal, held as part of the city’s 83rd anniversary celebration, at the EVM Convention Center on Thursday night.
Leading the awardees were former interior secretary Eduardo Año, who was recognized for his achievements as a retired general of the Philippine Army and one of the leaders of the country’s National Task Force Against COVID-19; and Commission on Higher Education chairman J. Prospero de Vera III, who was feted for championing quality education in the country.
Other awardees included Adarna House vice president and Raya School director Ana Rosa Almario, for being a staunch advocate of progressive education, literature and of all things Filipino; fashion designer Dita Sandico-Ong, for embracing sustainable and environmentally friendly production processes in her designs; and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas managing director for strategic communications Antonio Joselito Lambino II, for genuine and sincere public service that improved the country’s financial position that uplifted the quality of life of the Filipino people.
Also awarded were Sonia Roco, wife of the late senator Raul Roco, for her vigilant and tireless crusade to promote education, social, cultural and environmental causes; Rags2Riches president and founding partner Therese Clarence Fernandez-Ruiz, for advocating an eco-ethical lifestyle and her dedication to empower Philippine-based artisans; Zest-O founder Alfredo Macam-Yao, for his strong entrepreneurial spirit that inspires hope and good life; and broadcaster Danny Buenafe, for his commitment to bringing the truth, professionalism and journalistic ethics in this era of fake news and disinformation.
The two institutions recognized were World Vision, the largest non-profit organization that is committed to protecting and caring for indigent and vulnerable Filipino children, and Estrel’s Caramel Cake, a local bakeshop producing “the most delectable desserts and the most identifiable form of Philippine artisanship.”