Metropolitan Manila Development Authority acting chairman Atty. Don Artes is one of the recipients of the Bedan of the Year award conferred by his alma mater, San Beda University at the San Beda Law Grand Alumni Homecoming last 25 November in Makati City.

In his acceptance speech, Artes quoted some of the words from the Bedan Hymn as he said that his fellow awardees are "molded by bold undaunted men of prayer work and peace."

He recognized the role of Benedictine Brothers and the community, especially the College of Law, for "imparting the wisdom of St. Benedict's soul, faith in God, and love of the truth."

Artes also said that the faculty and staff of San Beda College of Law is instrumental in "imprinting in our minds the principle of ora et labora, which we applied in achieving what we are being recognized for."

He said he believed that he and his fellow alumni exerted their best efforts and applied the lessons they learned to accomplish their tasks for their respective family, for San Beda, for the country, and for God.

"This will serve as our inspiration to do more, that in all things God may be glorified," he said.

Artes started his MMDA stint in 2017 when he was appointed by then-President Rodrigo Duterte as the agency's Assistant General Manager for Finance and Administration. He then became General Manager and eventually Chairman last February 2022.

In November 2022, he was reappointed as head of the agency in acting capacity and has since led the agency in its overall administrative and financial aspect. He was instrumental in the ISO certification of the authority and four-peat unqualified COA opinion.

Under his helm, the MMDA inaugurated its new headquarters in Pasig City. He also spearheaded the full implementation of landmark Single Ticketing System and the establishment of Motorcycle Riding Academy.