QUEZON CITY — Fifteen remarkable individuals and organizations, alongside 64 veteran local government employees, were recently celebrated for their exceptional contributions across various fields during the 24th Manuel Luis Quezon Gawad Parangal held on Monday, October 26.
Hosted at the Theater at QC MICE Center, the ceremony bore the theme “Pagkilala sa Kahusayan, Pagbibigay-Inspirasyon sa Kinabukasan.”
The event spotlighted eight notable figures and seven groups whose work has profoundly advanced community development and social inclusion under seven governance pillars: 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.
Among the individual awardees were National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, fencing Olympian Samantha Kyle Catantan, historian Dr. Zeus Salazar, and anthropologist Dr. Prospero Covar. Rounding out the individual honorees were Great Deals E-Commerce Corporation founder and CEO Steve Sy, ESCA Inc. president Dr. Ernesto de Castro, Civil Service Commission Chairperson Marilyn Barua-Yap, and House Representative Perci Cendaña.
The recognized organizations included Miriam College, Mabuting Pastol Multi-Purpose Cooperative, the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers–Quezon City Chapter, the Philippine Association of Intercultural Development, Likhaan Center for Women’s Health Inc., UP Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino (Kontra-GaPi), and the Fairplay for All Foundation.
Furthermore, the local government paid tribute to 64 dedicated employees who have marked over four decades of public service.
Mayor Joy Belmonte commended the awardees for embodying the core values that drive the city forward.
“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,” Belmonte said.
She emphasized that their unwavering commitment helps cultivate an empowered community where every resident can thrive, while urging the public to maintain active involvement in local progress.