Pampanga honors 23 outstanding Kapampangans at 454th anniversary

The Provincial Government of Pampanga on Thursday honored 23 individuals and institutions who have exemplified the province’s values, culture, and traditions during the culminating activity of its 454th founding anniversary at the Kingsborough Convention Center in the City of San Fernando.

The awardees were recognized under the 2025 Most Outstanding Kapampangan Award (MOKA), the highest and most prestigious distinction conferred by the provincial government.

Governor Lilia “Nanay” G. Pineda, Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” G. Pineda, and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led the awarding ceremony, joined by National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Larry Lacson, PhD, who served as guest of honor and speaker.

In his address, Lacson highlighted the resilience of Kapampangans, recalling how the province rose from the devastation of the Mount Pinatubo eruption to become one of the country’s most progressive provinces.

The 2025 MOKA awardees are:

Lt. Col. Aris B. Gonzales — Law Enforcement
Marissa P. Fajardo — Education
Oliver S. Tumang — Sports
Lany L. Manaloto, RM, BSM — Government Service
Engr. Joliber P. Mapiles, PhD — Entrepreneurship
Jose Irwin M. Nucum — Music
Jayson G. Pabalan — Performing Arts
Band 94 Pandacaqui — Institutional Award (Performing Arts)
Richard G. Gabriel — Visual Arts
Jose Antonio Miguel R. Melchor — Culinary Arts
Joel P. Mallari — Culture and Heritage
Aguman Kalalangan Sulat Kapampangan — Institutional Award (Culture and Heritage)
Dr. Richard S. Torno — Agriculture
Mudjekeewis D. Santos, PhD — Science and Technology
Kara Patria David-Cancio — Mass Media
John Roniel A. Canimo — Youth Service
Atty. Aris L. Gulapa — Social Services
Minalin Development Foundation, Inc. — Institutional Award (Social Services)

For Global and Emerging Leaders, the awardees are:

Dr. Michael M. Manio, MD, MHPED, PhD, FHEA, PCAP — Overseas Filipino Worker
Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi, MD, FAFN — Public Health
Maria Teresa F. Sanchez-Tolosa, MD — Medicine
Ar. Normandy N. Canlas, UAP, ASEAN AR, APEC AR, FRIA, Int’l Assoc.-AIA — Architecture
Simplicio P. Umali Jr. — Business

The Arts, Culture, and Tourism Office of Pampanga said this year’s roster reflects new and emerging categories, recognizing a broader range of Kapampangans who excel in various fields.

Meanwhile, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian was named Adopted Son of Pampanga through SP Resolution No. 9757.

Gatchalian was recognized for advancing programs that strengthened community resilience and improved the welfare of senior citizens, persons with disabilities, children, and other marginalized sectors, contributing to the province’s continued development.