The Quezon City Government honored six individuals and four organizations for their significant contributions to the city at the 23rd Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal on October 28, 2025, at the QC M.I.C.E. Center.
The Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal is one of the city’s highest honors, recognizing individuals and organizations whose work promotes excellence, integrity, and inclusive progress for every QCitizen.
This year’s awardees were selected for their achievements aligned with the five pillars of good governance: Human and Social Services, Environment and Climate Change, Economic Development, Urban Development, and Institutional Development.
All nominees underwent rigorous scrutiny and deliberation by a selection board composed of scholars and civic leaders with expertise in governance, community development, culture, media, urban planning, and environmental advocacy.
With the theme “Sama-sama sa Tagumpay, Tulong-tulong sa Pag-unlad,” this year’s Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal highlighted the power of collaboration and shared responsibility in driving the city and nation’s development.
The awardees include:
Human and Social Services:
Lorelei R. Vinluan – A mental health advocate for educators, persons with disabilities, women, and abuse survivors. She is recognized for her interventions that have assisted individuals in crisis, leading to the creation of the mental health organization COPE UP in 2017.
Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. – 13-time Philippine Open Chess Champion who continues to bring international recognition to the country by leading the national team in the World Seniors Chess Championship.
Gerald Piad – Developer of the Computerized Evacuation System that streamlines data collection, registration, and real-time monitoring of evacuees with features tailored to local needs, enhancing disaster preparedness and response in Quezon City.
Kuya Center for Street Children – A Quezon City-based non-government organization providing shelter, education, and care for over 300 orphaned, neglected, and runaway children.
Environment and Climate Change:
Arlyn V. Guillermo – Barangay Kagawad behind the “SANA Oil” program, which promotes proper waste disposal and civic participation by encouraging residents to collect and surrender oil in exchange for groceries or repurposed as recycled fuel.
Partnerships for Sustainability Education – A network of schools, organizations, and communities advancing sustainability and climate education through its Integrated Regenerative Education Ecosystem. By connecting classrooms with communities, it promotes environmental literacy, cultural preservation, and leadership for lasting positive change.
Economic Development:
Fruitas Holdings Inc. – Food and beverage kiosk operator with over 800 stores nationwide, including 161 in Quezon City. Fruitas supports local sourcing and inclusive employment by hiring persons with disabilities and senior citizens.
Urban Development:
Ar. Gerard Rey A. Lico – Award-winning professor of architecture at the UP Diliman College of Architecture and director of the Heritage, Theory and Criticism Lab. He designed the Tandang Sora Women’s Museum and is known for his contributions to heritage and design research.
Institutional Development:
Nestie Bryal C. Villaviray – Founding chair of the Model Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Network, empowering youth leaders through civic education and governance reforms. Under Villaviray’s leadership, the Network launched the nationwide “ipinaLOKAL” civic education initiative during the 2023 SK elections, training over 1,400 young people, with more than 800 now serving as SK officials.
Philippine Children’s Medical Center, Child Neuroscience Division, Section of Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics – Leader in caring for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, providing assessments and pioneering initiatives such as the SINAG digital platform and Autism Camp. Through programs and partnerships, including Quezon City’s Kabahagi Center, it empowers families by expanding access to early intervention and advancing inclusive, community-based pediatric care.
Mayor Joy Belmonte said that the Gawad Parangal is an occasion to celebrate excellence and a reminder that the city’s progress is built by people who serve with purpose and lead with heart.
“What inspires me most about our awardees is that none of them set out to be recognized. They simply saw a need and chose to act. That’s the kind of culture we want to nurture in Quezon City. We want to live in a city where people and organizations uplift others genuinely without expecting anything in return. When you have people like that working in every corner of our city, real progress naturally follows,” she said.
Moreover, 12 city government employees were recognized for their integrity and over four decades of dedicated service in the city’s various departments and offices:
Marian C. Orayani – City Budget Department
Imelda R. Castillo – Office of the City Treasurer
Evangeline S. Cruz – Quezon City Public Library
Marites T. Tamana – Quezon City Health Department
Celedonia F. Dedace – Quezon City General Hospital
Divina A. Villamor – Department of Engineering
Danilo N. Palentinos – Market Development and Administration Department
Orlando M. Oca – City Assessor’s Office
Luisito I. Hernandez – Office of the City Prosecutor
Milagros B. Mallannao – Office of the City Prosecutor
Mercedita D. Belarmino – Metropolitan Trial Court
Asuncion E. Lansang – Metropolitan Trial Court
The 23rd Gawad Parangal is in celebration of the city’s 86th Founding Anniversary, continuing the legacy of former President Manuel Luis Quezon, whose ideals of social justice, good governance, and people-centered leadership guide the city’s programs today.
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