GAWAD PARANGAL 2022 AWARD
October 27, 2022
On October 27, 2022, the Quezon City government honored nine individuals, a business establishment and a humanitarian organization for their "accomplishments, contributions, service and for being models" to their communities.
Started in 2002, the Quezon City government has conferred the Gawad Parangal Award to outstanding individuals and institutions that have not only brought honor and pride to Quezon City, but also to the entire nation.
"Nine individuals and two institutions will receive the highest and most prestigious award given by the Quezon City government to our citizens and organizations for their outstanding achievements, contribution to the community and exemplary service to the people." Mayor Ma. Josefina "Joy" Belmonte said during her opening speech at the 20th Manuel Luis Quezon Gawad Parangal Award at the Eduardo V Manalo Convention Center. This year's theme was "Sama-samang Pagbangon sa Bagong Panahon".
The nine recipients in the Individual category are:
• Eduardo Año - former secretary of the Interior and Local Government from 2018 - 2022 under the Duterte administration.
• Ambassador Alfredo M. Yao - a Filipino-Chinese and a rags-to-riches businessman who founded Zest-O Corp., and served as the special envoy to China for Tourism and Cooperation in 2009. He was also president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
• Dr. J. Prospero De Vera - currently holds the positions of Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Adviser of the Philippine Negotiating Panel with the National Democratic Front/Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army (NDF/CPP/NPA), and Commissioner of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
• Ditta Sandico - a Filipino designer, wrap artist and an advocate of fashion, promoting Filipino culture while helping poor communities by giving them a sustainable livelihood.
• Antonio Joselito Lambino II - current Managing Director for Strategic Communication and Advocacy of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
• Sonia Malasarte - Roco widow of Filipino senator Raul Roco and chairman of the Student Catholic Action of the Philippines.
• Therese Clarence Fernandez-Ruiz - president and founding partner of Rags2Riches Inc. (renamed as Intentionality, Inc.), an eco-ethical lifestyle brand based in the Philippines that creates urban artisanal home and fashion masterpieces.
• Ani Rosa Almario - vice president of Adarna House, the country's first children's publishing company.
• Danny Buenafe - television broadcaster for nearly four decades.
The two awardees for the Institution category are:
• World Vision - global Christian humanitarian organization devoted to improving the lives of children, their families, and their communities.
• Estrel's Caramel Cake - bakeshop that has shown an unwavering dedication to tradition and has the "most identifiable form of Filipino artisanship."
PBB's very own Chairman Emeritus, Amb. Alfredo M. Yao, a recipient of the award under the Business and Entrepreneur category expressed his sincere gratitude and acknowledged the honors by delivering his acceptance speech on behalf of all the awardees.
