Top QC citizens, institutions named

A search committee created by Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. released yesterday the names of this year’s outstanding citizens and institutions that will be honored tonight at the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila in Ortigas, Quezon City.

The mayor will personally present the Gawad Parangal awards during a testimonial dinner, which will highlight the 66th foundation anniversary of the city.

The following have been named outstanding citizens of Quezon City for 2005:

• Ambassador Sedfrey A. Ordoñez (law and judicial development international relations and national government service);

• National Artist Napoleon V. Abueva (sculpture, visual arts and for promotion of art and culture);

• Undersecretary Fe A. Hidalgo (educational leadership and promotion of values education);

• Dr. Edna B. Azurin (lifetime service to education, women’s welfare and humanitarian service);

• Undersecretary Rene V. Sarmiento (human rights and peace advocate, legal service to government and contribution to the drafting of 1987 Constitution);

• Dr. Tranquilino Elicaño Jr. (community and government service in cancer control and management);

• Rogelio M. Antonio Jr. (sports and for being an inspiration to young Filipinos aspiring to become future chess champions);

• Raymond E. Narag (advocate and spokesman for penal and justice system reform)

• Erlinda Sapiandante (outstanding achievement in community service and people’s mobilization for urban poor welfare);

• Randy David (journalism);

The institutional awardees are led by Araneta Center Inc. (outstanding business enterprise of the year); St. Luke’s Medical Center (outstanding service enterprise of the year); La Funeraria Paz as (outstanding mortuary business and humanitarian service enterprise); and Gawad Kalinga of Couples for Christ (outstanding social development program for 2005).

Also receiving recognition are three former mayors of the city namely: Adelina Rodriquez (mayor, 1976-1986); Brigido Simon Jr. (mayor, 1987-1992); and Ismael Mathay Jr. (mayor, 1992-2001).

The overall chairman for this year’s foundation anniversary is City Treasurer Victor Endriga with lawyer Vicky Loanzon as the vice chairman.

The chairman of the Gawad Parangal 2005 search committee is Dr. Manuel S. Alba while QCCCI Foundation president Nathan C. Zulueta is in charge of the awarding ceremonies.

Hosting the awards night ceremony is David Celdran. Performers include musician John Lesaca, Dulce, the QC Performing Arts and QC Symphonic Band.