Director Oscar David Albayalde, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office, received this year’s MOKA in the field of law enforcement.
Albayalde’s most recent achievement was the arrest of three suspected terrorists believed responsible in the foiled bombing at the U.S. Embassy.
As then director of the Pampanga Provincial Police Office, Albayalde busted illegal drugs trafficking group lead by a Chinese businessman during raid in a posh subdivision in Mexico, Pampanga, and neutralized organized crime groups operating in the province, adding to his laurels coming off 88 medals for bravery, integrity, and efficiency given by both national and international bodies.
A native of this city, graduating from the San Fernando Elementary School and Pampanga High School, Albayalde finished Number 7 in the Philippine Military Academy “Sinagtala” Class of 1986 where PNP Chief Director General Ronald De La Rosa is also a member.
Albayalde’s vast experience in the fields of intelligence and operations brought him to where his present assignment, dubbed as “the very powerful position in the PNP.” He was designated as NCRPO chief shortly after President Duterte’s victory in the polls.
Since he assumed as top cop of Metro Manila, Albayalde has reduced street crimes because of his anti-crime policy which earned praises from the business and other sectors of society.
Albayalde said the weekly crime trend data from July 1-19, 2016 reflected a significant decrease of street crimes compared with the data recorded on the first semester of 2016 in Metro Manila of which 92 percent of its total of 1,706 barangays are known to be drug-affected, particularly many parts of Quezon City and Manila due to their big population.
“It is a prize to be cherished for a lifetime,” Albayalde said of his award.
Star of brilliance
The MOKA is given annually to “the best and the brightest of the Kapampangan race.” The trophy is inscribed with words that translate to “the star of brilliance and goodness of the Kapampangan.”
In her address as guest of honor at the rites held at Kingsborough International Convention Center, former President now Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said: “…(I)n my life as former president, vice president, senator, I‘ve received many awards myself so I know what it’s like to be an awardee. But let me say one of my favorite moments was in1996 when I became a MOKA awardee in the fi eld of governance.”
“When we look at the awardees, we are showing the world that the Kapampangans are truly outstanding,” she added.
For her part, Gov. Lilia G. Pineda expressed her elation over the bumper crop of outstanding models for her cabalens to emulate: “I am happy that the province has many men and women who bring honor to the province. Every Kapampangan needs someone like you to look up to.”
Also awarded the MOKA this year were:
Former ambassador to the Holy See Maria Mercedes Reinares y Arrastia-Tuason for Government Service. Tuason is a recipient of the magistral dame of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the Grand Cross of Merit for the title Order of Pius IX due to her charitable works and diplomatic service to the Roman Catholic Church.
Young filmmaker Jason Paul Laxamana in the fi eld of Arts. The Angeles City native made his mark in the national and international indie film industry with “Magkakabaung” (The Coffin Maker) which won various awards. As much as in indie, Laxamana is starting to find his niche in mainstream cinema which started with his directing “Love is Blind.”
In the field of Education is Amable V. Aguiluz V, the chairman emeritus of AMA Computer Education System. He pioneered the IT Education in the country, making him the ‘Father of Computer Education’.
Prudencio S. Garcia, president-CEO of Mekeni Food Corp. is the awardee in the field of Business and Entrepreneurship. From a small company, Mekeni has gone global with its products reaching as far as the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Japan.
Pioneering cable television in the city, and institutionalizing the use of Kapampangan in all its programs gave the nod to GNN TV44 head Allan P. Dungao the MOKA iIn the field of Mass Media.
With eight children all finding excellence in their chosen professions here and abroad, octogenarian couple Bernardo and Paulina Garcia of Lubao received the MOKA for Parenthood.
Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, the founding leader and Executive Pastor of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, the Name Above Every Name received the MOKA in the field of Religion.
Fr. Marciano G. Evangelista, the Salesian priest behind the Tuloy sa Don Bosco Street Children’s Village and the Tuloy Foundation is this year’s awardee in the field of Social Service.
Professional basketball player Arwind A. Santos is the most outstanding Kapampangan in the field of Sports.
Ednalyn E. Fajardo, an Alternative Learning System (ALS) district coordinator earned the MOKA in the field of Youth Service.
The MOKA for Outstanding Honorary Kapampangangan this year is given to businessman Ramon S. Ang for his contribution to the development of the province.
Ang has been instrumental in the desilting and dredging of Pampanga Bay which cost millions of pesos but at no expense to the provincial government, as well as helping fund the megapolis development plan for Pampanga being undertaken by Palafox and Associates.
Being the “pinnacle of all awards conferred by the province to its outstanding sons and daughters,” the MOKA serves as the highlight of the weeklong founding anniversary of the province.
Also at the MOKA rites, local media channels including Punto were given certificates of recognition for their contribution to the development of Pampanga.
– Bong Z. Lacson with Pampanga PIO
