The Quezon City Government has organized the Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal — an annual awarding ceremony recognizing individuals and institutions for their exemplary performance and contribution in the fields of social work, environment and sanitation, law and justice, business and entrepreneurship, and science and technology.
Considered as one of the city’s highest honors, the nominees are subject to rigorous assessment and deliberation conducted by a selection board composed of scholars and civic leaders with expertise in governance, community development, culture, media, urban planning, and environmental advocacy.
Held annually as part of the city’s founding anniversary, The Manuel L. Quezon Awards is part of the city’s efforts in honoring MLQ’s legacy, including his ideals, spirit of excellence, and commitment, reflected in the city’s programs and services.
To know more about the award, please contact the QCTD or visit the QCTD official Facebook page for city events and schedules. Also, follow the QC Gov Official FB page and website for other city-related programs and announcements. For the list of Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal Awardees from 2019 to November 2025, kindly refer to the list below.
Past Awardees
| Year | Category | Name of Awardee | Description |
| 2025 | Human and Social Services (Individual) | Dr. Lorelei R. Vinluan | A mental health and human dignity advocate. |
| Special Award | Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. | A chess grandmaster with the moniker “The Ironman of Philippine Chess” for his unmatched consistency and sheer love for the game. | |
| Special Award | Gerald E. Piad | Turned a personal effort into a groundbreaking innovation that soon transform disaster response. | |
| Human and Social Services (Organization) | Kuya Center for Street Children, Inc. | A center offering children care, protection, and a path toward healing from lives marked by poverty, neglect, and life on the streets. | |
| Environment and Climate Change (Individual) | Arlyn V. Guillermo | A community environmental leader. | |
| Environment and Climate Change (Organization) | Partnerships for Sustainability Education | A Quezon City-based non-government organization (NGO) that connects schools, local governments, MSMEs, and communities to reimagine education as a driving force for sustainability and climate action. | |
| Economic Development (Organization) | Fruitas Holdings, Inc. | One of the Philippines’ most inspiring stories of homegrown entrepreneurship that embodies the power of hard work, innovation, and love for the country. | |
| Urban Development (Individual) | Ar. Gerard Rey A. Lico | An architect and scholar who has dedicated his career to merging academic rigor with public engagement, transforming how Filipinos see architecture as both art and nation-building. | |
| Institutional Development (Individual) | Nestie Bryal C. Villaviray | A development worker and founding chairperson of the Model Sangguniang Kabataan Network that has sought to reshape youth governance, transforming frustration into purpose, and turning civic participation into a national movement. | |
| Institutional Development (Organization) | Philippine Children’s Medical Center- Child Neuroscience Division, Section of Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics | Has stood as a beacon of hope for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and a national leader in advancing developmental and behavioral care for Filipino children. | |
| 2024 | Human & Social Services (Individual) | Herdee Gloriane C. Luna | A dedicated cancer specialist and advocate. Luna is the Oncology Manager of the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS), President of the Philippine Society of Oncologists, and the President of the Molecular Society of Medical Oncology. |
| Economic Development (Individual) | Edilberto B. Palacio | Committed to improving the lives of tricycle drivers in Brgy. Holy Spirit, Quezon City. | |
| Environment & Climate Change (Individual) | Maria Elena M. Ruiz | She took on the role of Barangay Kagawad and was appointed Chairperson of the Environment and Beautification Committee, which recognized the importance of proper waste segregation in the community. | |
| Urban Development (Individual) | Benito M. Pacheco | Pacheco’s work centers around disaster risk management, focusing on resilience and sustainability in an unpredictable world. | |
| Institutional Development (Individual) | Alex B. Brillantes | He focused on promoting good governance and responsive public administration by helping local government officials become better leaders. | |
| Human & Social Services (Institution) | Autism Society of the Philippines | A national, non-profit organization devoted to building an inclusive society where individuals on the autism spectrum can achieve their fullest potential. | |
| 2023 | Environment and Sanitation (Individual) | Dr. Laura T. David | An eminent figure in the realm of oceanography, holding the esteemed position of Professor in Oceanography and Director of the Marine Science Institute within the College of Science at UP Diliman. |
| Environment and Sanitation (Individual) | Prof. Ernesto Serote | A distinguished land use planner and Associate Professor at the University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional Planning, who has made significant contributions to the fields of urban planning in the Philippines. | |
| Environment and Sanitation (Individual) | Dr. Emma E. Porio | A distinguished academic and thought leader, holds the position of Professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology within the School of Social Sciences at Ateneo de Manila University. | |
| For Justice and Law (Individual) | Executive Judge Juvenal Noriege Bella | An esteemed legal professional, having earned a Bachelor of Law degree from San Beda University, which possesses an extensive and noteworthy legal career. | |
| For Justice and Law (Individual) | Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh | A distinguished legal professional who has amassed an impressive academic and professional background. | |
| For Science and Technology (Individual) | Dr. Maria Aura Teodora C. Matias | A distinguished professor of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research at the University of the Philippines, with an illustrious career marked by notable achievements and contributions to both fields of industrial engineering. | |
| For Social Work (Individual) | Margarita Romero-Atayde | A committed education and community development advocate, holding key positions in various esteemed organizations. | |
| For Business and Entrepreneurship (Institution) | Human Nature | A leading brand in natural and organic cosmetics, personal care, and home care products within the Philippines | |
| Anna Meloto-Wilk | |||
| For Environment and Sanitation (Institution) | Mother Earth Foundation, Inc. | Forefront advocate for sustainable waste management and environmental protection within communities. | |
| Sonia S. Mendoza | |||
| For Social Work (Institution) | Rural Rising PH | A dedicated social enterprise that focuses on unlocking the potential of rural areas and nurturing prosperity through agricultural entrepreneurship. | |
| Andrea Vida Estrada | |||
| For Social Work (Institution) | Tanging Yaman Foundation | It is aimed at raising funds for institutions dedicated to building and nurturing impoverished local communities. | |
| Manuel Simplicio V. Francisco | |||
| For Law and Justice (Institution) | Rex Bookstore | A renowned educational book publisher and a prominent bookstore chain in the Philippines that aspires to ensure easy access to high-quality learning materials for learners, parents, schools, and communities. | |
| Atty. Dominador D. Buhain | Chairman and President of the Rex Group of Companies, which has visionary leadership in transforming a modest bookstore into a powerhouse of the Philippines educational publishing, and for his unwavering advocacy for the development of the Philippine book industry. | ||
| For Special Citation Posthumous | Federico Ilustre ℅ (Gia R. Locsin) | A distinguished Filipino architect made significant contributions during his tenure at the Department of Public Works and Highways. | |
| Fernanando Amorsolo ℅ (Sylvia Amorsolo-Lazo) | She serves as the president of the Fernando C. Amorsolo Foundation, which works to preserve, restore, and authenticate her father’s artworks. | ||
| Corazon Victoria “Dinky” Soliman (Atty. Hector D. Soliman) | A dedicated social worker and community organizer recognized for her unwavering commitment to uplifting the poorest and most vulnerable Filipinos. | ||
| 2022 | Sec. Eduardo M. Año | Recognized for his ever dependable and vigorous dedication and commitment to public service through military service. | |
| Amd. Alfredo Macam-Yao | For Yao’s strong entrepreneurial spirit that inspires hope and a good life even in the direst circumstances, as long as there is hard work, perseverance, and diligence | ||
| Dr. J. Prospero “Popoy” De Vera | An academician who has used his technical expertise to help policymakers, educate the public, and run political campaigns. | ||
| Ditta Sandico | A proud Filipino designer, wrap artist, and advocate of sustainable fashion, recognized for her outstanding contribution to Filipino fashion and overwhelming advocacy for sustainability and cultural heritage. | ||
| Dr. Antonio Joselito Lambino II | Recognized for his outstanding achievements and contributions in the improvement of the country’s economy and the overall betterment of the quality of life of his countrymen. | ||
| Sonia M. Roco | An active educational, social, cultural, and environmental advocate recognized for outstanding achievements and contributions in improving the plight of fellow citizens and communities. | ||
| Theresse Clarence “Reese” Fernandez-Ruiz | Recognized for her dedication to helping empower Philippine-based artisans, her valuable contributions in improving the quality of life of the people, and for the environmental ethic principles that she follows. | ||
| Ani Rosa S. Almario | A staunch advocate of progressive education, literature and of all things Filipino. | ||
| Danny Buenafe | Recognized for his outstanding contributions in the field of broadcasting and his commitment to accuracy and truth in news reporting. | ||
| World Vision | A global Christian humanitarian aid and development organization that works to end child poverty and injustice by serving the most vulnerable children, their families, and communities. | ||
| Estrel’s Caramel Cake | Recognized for improvising a chiffon cake recipe from a box of cake flour that has been a perennial bestseller. | ||
| 2021 | Pres. Benigno “Noynoy” C. Aquino III | A Filipino politician who served as the 15th president of the Philippines from 2010 to 2016. | |
| Ana Patricia Non | She organized the first community pantry in the Philippines, located in Maginhawa, Quezon City, which inspired the whole country to do the same. | ||
| Plt. Jean C. Aguada | She nursed a five-month-old child left by her parents to earn a living, whom she found while walking on her way to their clean-up drive and feeding program in Quezon City. | ||
| Fr. Ronald Mariano Roberto | He initiated the COVID-19 Relief Operations where homeless families and underprivileged members of the parish were given a decent meal prepared by him. | ||
| Posthumous | Dr. Leandro Resurreccion III | Pioneer pediatric transplant surgeon in the Philippines. | |
| Hidilyn F. Diaz | She won the first Olympic gold medal for the Philippines and is an Olympic weightlifting record holder by winning the women’s 55 kg category for weightlifting at the 2020 Summer Olympics. | ||
| Lou Sabrina Ongkiko | A Public school teacher for 12 years, cited for her accomplishments, including overseeing the school’s learning continuity program for distance learning, strengthening education, and supporting students’ environment. | ||
| Philippine Animal Welfare Society | Recognized for its pet-friendly pantry, which offers various pet food and other treats, and encourages pet owners and advocates to give what they can take when they need. | ||
| Safe Haven Center & Children Home | A non-profit organization in Metro Manila that provides temporary, family-like care for children who have experienced severe trauma, neglect, abuse, or abandonment. | ||
| ECPAT Philippines | Provides temporary shelter to child victims of trafficking and sexual abuse. | ||
| Salamat PH Healthcare Heroes | A volunteer group in the Philippines that supports the frontliners in the fight against COVID-19. | ||
| BeeSeekleta For Every Juan | A project that provides free bicycles, often made from recycled parts, to marginalized communities in the Philippines to address transportation challenges and empower underserved individuals. | ||
| OCTA Research | A private, independent group of academics, primarily from the University of the Philippines, providing science advice, particularly on public health and COVID-19. | ||
| 2020 | Jay Angelo A. Pineda | The Chieftain of a technology start-up, Whiz Philippines Innovations, who initiated an online challenge called #SalamatFrontliners to give back to the country’s frontliners. | |
| Dr. Esperanza Anita N. Arias | Despite her own vulnerability, being a cancer survivor, she had been doing the rounds of healthcare facilities in the city as incident commander since day one, doing her best in overseeing QC public hospitals and quarantine facilities, swabbing orientations, and proper handling of patients, signing death certificates, and directing the cremation of covid patients, among other things. | ||
| Dr. Susan Jane Celo | A QCHD medical officer who spearheaded the city’s efforts in setting up the community-based testing sites, coordination with various stakeholders, and active monitoring and follow-up of patients. | ||
| Dr. Hilario John R. Mangoba | A pediatrician at various hospitals in Quezon City passed away after a month of battling the virus. | ||
| Mr. Lamberto Q. Nolasco | One of the urban farmers’ representatives in the People’s Council of Quezon City. | ||
| Bantay Bayan Foundation Inc. | A foundation that serves communities, often by working with government agencies and other NGOs to provide aid and assistance to people in need. | ||
| Triskelon Riders Quezon City | A fraternity-based motorcycle club within the Tau Gamma Phi/Tau Gamma Sigma fraternity, dedicated to serving its members in the Quezon City area by providing services like free services, burial escorts, and guidance for fellow Triskelions fraternity members, own a registered motorcycle, possess a valid driver’s license, and reside or be connected to the QC area. | ||
| Kingspoint Homeowners Association, Inc. | |||
| Integrated Bar of the Philippines- QC Chapter | The local organization of lawyers in Quezon City is dedicated to upholding justice, elevating the legal profession, and serving the community, particularly the marginalized and indigent, through its free legal aid services, clinics, and outreach programs. | ||
| Metro Manila Persons with Disability Vendors Association, Inc. | Monitors the implementation of several laws to ensure the protection of PWDs’ civil and political rights, including Republic Act No 7277 (Magna Carta for Disabled Persons). | ||
| Special Award | Michelle Theresa Imperial Gumabao | A prominent Filipina figure recognized for her accomplishments in professional volleyball, beauty pageantry, and as a TV personality. | |
| 2019 | Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo | She is the longest-serving president since Ferdinand Marcos and the first female vice president. | |
| Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar | A Filipino retired police officer and general who served as Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) from May to November 2021. | ||
| Vicente “Tito” C. Sotto | Younger brother of Filemón Sotto, who obtained the degree of Bachelor of Laws in Letran, and Judicial Science, and studied law in Manila Law College, and passed the bar examinations in 1907. | ||
| Arthur Planta Tugade | |||
| Lucas P. Bersamin | A Filipino lawyer and jurist has been the 40th executive secretary of the Philippines under President Bongbong Marcos since 2022. | ||
| Georgina R. Encanto | A Filipino businessman and lawyer from Cagayan who served as the Secretary of the Department of Transportation under the Duterte administration from 2016 to 2022. | ||
| Dr. Ricardo T. Jose | The country’s foremost scholar on the Second World War in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific, who specializes in military and diplomatic history, with a focus on the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. | ||
| Fr. Jose Ramon T. Villarin, SJ | “Fr. Jett” is the Ateneo de Manila University’s 30th president, succeeding Fr. Bienvenido F. Nebres, S.J. | ||
| Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao | A legendary Filipino professional boxer, businessman, and former politician, widely considered one of the greatest boxers of all time for being the only one to win world titles in eight different weight divisions. | ||
| Felicidad Prudente Sta. Maria | Originator of the Philippine Food History website, and an internationally awarded non-fiction author, cultural heritage advocate, and pioneer in Philippine food history, specialising in the Spanish and American colonial eras. | ||
| Jose “Gerry” Acuzar | Appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos as the current Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). | ||
| Johnlu Koa | Prominent Filipino entrepreneur, business executive, and former University of the Philippines (UP) professor who founded The French Baker cafe chain in the Philippines. | ||
| Ma. Alegria Sibal- Limjoco | One of the most prominent names in the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), and is currently the Vice Chairman of the Association. | ||
| Emmanuel “Manny” B. Villar, Jr. | A Filipino businessman and former politician. | ||
| Margarita A. Forés | A Filipino chef and restaurateur who was named as 2016 Asia’s Best Female Chef on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. | ||
| Myrna D. Segismundo | More than a chef, she’s a celebrated force in Philippine gastronomy, known for championing and elevating Filipino cuisine on the global stage. | ||
| West Gallery | Conceived to provide an art space for promising young artist to explore and hone their skills further, this remains its primary purpose and vision. | ||
| Merced Bakeshop | An establishment that produces and sells flour-based baked goods made in an oven, such as bread, cookies, cakes, doughnuts, bagels, pastries, and pies. | ||
| Habi Footwear | Promotes responsible fashion, Pinoy pride, and social involvement through 100% Filipino-made, environmentally friendly footwear and lifestyle items. | ||
| Sayawatha Dance Troupe | A hip-hop dance team from Miriam College High School that provides a platform for dance enthusiasts to perform and exchange dance knowledge, aiming to inspire the youth and share their passion through their God-given talents. | ||
| Ganap Performing Arts Association Inc. | A theatre company, a music ensemble, and a dance troupe, all three combined into one performing arts association, using talents as gifts to humanity, pride of the country, and offering to the Almighty. |




