Belmonte, who hails from Zaragoza town, was cited in the public service category.
Aside from Belmonte, the 12 others who received the "Gawad Parangal sa mga Natatanging Novo Ecijano" were the following: Evelinda Lacanilao, social work; Dr. Tereso Abella, science and technology; Anselmo Roque, mass media; retired Court of Appeals Justice Cezar Francisco, justice and agrarian reform; Dr. Concepcion Argonza, medicine; Chief Superintendent Oscar Calderon, police service; Venus Ladignon, education; Carlos Valino Jr., culture and arts; Brig. Gen. Vicente Guerzon, military service; Mrs. Consuelo Pantaleon, agriculture; Reynaldo Odulio, business and commerce; and Dax Alberto Morfe, sports.
A special award was given to Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Solis of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, California, USA. He hails from San Jose City.
Vice President Noli de Castro was the guest of honor and speaker. — Manny Galvez