CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — Twenty-three exemplary individuals and institutions whose achievements embody the finest Kapampangan values, culture, and traditions were given recognition at the 2025 Most Outstanding Kapampangan Awards held at the Kingsborough International Convention Center here, as the culminating event of the 454th Aldo Ning Kapampangan celebrations.
The annual MOKA — recognized as the highest and most prestigious honor bestowed by the provincial government was led by Gov. Lilia “Nanay” G. Pineda, Vice Gov. Dennis “Delta” G. Pineda, and the sangguniang panlalawigan.
Serving as this year’s guest of honor and speaker was National Food Authority administrator Larry Lacson who highlighted the enduring resilience of Kapampangans, recalling how the province rose from the devastation of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption to become one of the most progressive provinces in the country today.
This year’s awardees include Police Lt. Col. Aris B. Gonzales (Law Enforcement), Marissa P. Fajardo (Education), Oliver S. Tumang (Sports), Lany L. Manaloto (Government Service), Engr. Joliber P. Mapiles (Entrepreneurship), and Jose Irwin M. Nucum (Music), Jayson G. Pabalan (Performing Arts) and 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), and Aguman Kalalangan Sulat Kapampangan (Institutional Award – Culture and Heritage).
Also recognized were 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 (Judicial Services), and Minalin Development Foundation, Inc. (Institutional Award – Social Services), Dr. Michael M. Manio (Overseas Filipino Worker), Maria Teresa F. Sanchez-Tolosa (Medicine), Dr. Gerardo D. Legazp (Public Health), Ar. Normandy N. Canlas (Architecture), and Simplicio P. Umali, Jr. (Business Leadership).
According to the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office of Pampanga, this year’s roster features new emerging categories aimed at recognizing even more Kapampangans who excel in diverse fields.
During the ceremony, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian was also honored as Adopted Son of Pampanga through SP Resolution No. 9757 for his genuine commitment to the province. He was recognized for advancing programs that strengthened community resilience and improved the welfare of senior citizens, persons with disabilities, children, and marginalized groups.
He was further cited for his unwavering support that has significantly contributed to Pampanga’s continued development and progress.
“Maraming pong salamat sa karangalang ibinigay ninyo sa akin na maampon bilang honoree. Bilang Kapampangan, it stands for many things: it stands for resilience, it stands for compassion, it stands for hard work, and it stands for being industrious. Sisikapin ko po na araw-araw ay taglayin ko ang mga virtuous na iyon upang hindi ko po kayo mapahiya,” he said.
Governor Pineda, Vice Governor Pineda, and the Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan extended their heartfelt congratulations to all awardees, who now join the illustrious roster of honorees recognized over the forty-seven-year tradition of the MOKA.
“Nasa ku na tuluy tuluy ko sanang maging inspirasyon karen karapang tau lalung lalo na kareng kalupa tamu Kapampangan para sumulung at makasaup mu rin keng balang metung. Luguran ta ya ing Probinsya tang pakamalan, luguran ta la den kapara tang kapampangan,” the governor said. Pampanga PIO
