Leading the most outstanding citizens of Caloocan City is Justice Cancio Garcia, Court of Appeals acting presiding justice.
Garcia resided in Caloocan City for many years and also served once as city judge in 1974, 1983 and Regional Trial Court judge of Branch 124 in 1988-1990.
Old-timers in Caloocan City, remember his family as the owners of the 7th Avenue Ice Cream Factory, where he used to help his father to run the business.
The outstanding citizens are aptly referred to as "Caloocan’s Best." The award is given during the annual celebration of the city’s Foundation Day.
Also awarded were Antonio Montemayor (government service); Dindo Simpao (sports); Emy Fler Esponilla (education); Amado Lim (business), Dr. Nilda Sunico Castro (medicine); Araceli Policarpio-Mallari (women and elderly) Roxanne Salve Ng (special award); Sixta Rivera-Buenaventura (special award as the most senior citizen at 99-years-old).
The Caloocan City police station will also receive the "Caloocan’s Best" recognition for maintaining the highest level of peace and order in the city this year and for being a five-time awardee as "Best Police Station in the NCR" in 1998 and "Best Police Station in the Philippines" in 1999.
After the program, Mutya ng Caloocan 2002 Jennifer Salinao will relinquish her crown to the next titlist, who will represent the city as ambassadress of goodwill. – Jerry Botial