CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — The Provincial Government of Pampanga recognized 12 Kapampangans who excelled in their respective fields of endeavor at the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Awards that served as the culminating event in the celebration of the 451st founding anniversary of the province on Dec. 11 at Kingsborough Convention Center.
“Every year, we honor the efforts and hard work of our cabalens whose lives are anchored for the welfare of others through the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Awards. The provincial government and we in the public service strive to recognize and admire these people who contributed to the development of the Kapampangan race,” said Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda in his message.
The MOKA recipients for 2022 were House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez as Outstanding Honorary Kapampangan; Eufrocina Peña for Arts; Edelyn Cañero, Business and Entrepreneurship; Lord Francis Musni, Culture; Mary Joyce Guinto-Sali, Education; Atty. Ricardo Sagmit, Jr., Judicial Service; Lt. Col. Eugene Marcelo, Law Enforcement; Ian Flora, Mass Media; Pierangeli Vital, Science and Technology; David Edward Jimenez, Social Service; Oshrie Jhames Reyes, Sports; and Dara Mae Tuazon, Youth Service.
The annual event that was deferred for the past two years due to the restrictions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic was revived through the joint efforts of the MOKA Committee and Secretariat led by the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office of Pampanga and the Pampanga Provincial Information Office.
“I am thrilled that the MOKA has made a comeback since the last ceremonies took place three years ago. All our awardees are indeed deserving to be recognized, and may they all continue bringing glory to our heritage and culture,” MOKA Committee vice-chairperson Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab said.
The event was attended by sangguniang panlalawigan members, mayors, awardees, previous MOKA awardees, Mutya ning Kapampangan 2022 winners, and other guests.
Kapampangan cultural performances were showcased during the awarding by Ocampo’s Betis Band 46 and Arti Sta Rita, which was given Special Citation during the MOKA in 2004. Punto News Team/Pampanga PIO
