The Quezon City Government honored 15 outstanding individuals and organizations whose achievements and service have helped strengthen communities and advance inclusive development at the 24th Manuel Luis Quezon Gawad Parangal at the Theater at QC MICE Center.
With the theme “Pagkilala sa Kahusayan, Pagbibigay-Inspirasyon sa Kinabukasan,” the ceremony celebrated contributions across education, community development, public service, business, culture, sports, and other fields.
The seven organizational awardees were Miriam College; Mabuting Pastol Multi-Purpose Cooperative; Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc., Quezon City Chapter (PICE QC Chapter); Philippine Association of Intercultural Development (PAFID); Likhaan Center for Women’s Health Inc.; UP Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino (Kontra-GaPi); and Fairplay for All Foundation.
The eight individual awardees were Dr. Zeus A. Salazar, historian and anthropologist; Dr. Prospero R. Covar, anthropologist and sociologist; Steve Sy, Founder and CEO of Great Deals E-Commerce Corporation; Dr. Ernesto S. de Castro, President and Founder of ESCA, Inc.; Atty. Marilyn B. Barua-Yap, DPA, Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission; Cong. Percival “Percy” V. Cendaña, human rights advocate and legislator; Ricardo “Ricky” A. Lee, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts; and Samantha Kyle L. Catantan, Olympian and international foil fencer.
The city government also recognized 64 employees who have served the local government for more than 40 years, honoring their dedication and decades of public service.
Mayor Joy Belmonte said the awardees demonstrate how excellence, compassion, and a commitment to others can create lasting change. Their work, Belmonte noted, draws attention to the needs of vulnerable sectors and inspires more people to help build a caring and inclusive city.
“Through their dedication, compassion, and commitment to serving others, they help us build a community where every QCitizen is valued, empowered, and given the opportunity to thrive.”
“Quezon City is what it is today because of individuals and organizations who, in their own ways, live out the values that make our city what it is. Through their dedication, compassion, and commitment to serving others, they help us build a community where every QCitizen is valued, empowered, and given the opportunity to thrive,” the lady mayor said.
The awards recognized contributions across seven pillars of good governance and development: Human and Social Services; Economic Development; Urban Development; Institutional Development; Social Inclusion, Diversity, and Equality; Creative Arts and Cultural Heritage; and Sports and Athletic Excellence.
She congratulated the awardees and called for continued citizen participation, emphasizing that the city’s progress rests on the shared efforts of its people.
“Magkakaiba man ang lengguwahe ng ating kilos at salita, marami pa ring bagay ang nagbibigkis sa atin.”
“Magkakaiba man ang lengguwahe ng ating kilos at salita, marami pa ring bagay ang nagbibigkis sa atin,” Belmonte said.
“Pinagbubuklod tayo ng hangarin na makapag-ambag sa mas malawak na mundo,” she concluded.
