Mayor Edwin “Edsa” Santiago said as deemed fit by the sangguniang panlungsod (SP), the TOFA is now held every three years by virtue of Ordinance No. 2013-011 known as the TOFA.
Frank De Jesus, chair of the TOFA executive committee, said any Fernandino can nominate a candidate for TOFA if he passes the minimum requirements which are: must be born in San Fernando or at least one of the nominees’ parent is a Fernandino.
The nominee must be a resident of San Fernando for the past 15 years. He must be of good moral character.
The nominee must have exceptional personal conduct or exemplary accomplishment or outstanding achievement in his chosen field that has contributed to the enhancement of the honor and reputation of the Fernandinos.
He must have documented or proof of his outstanding works or accomplishments.
The nominee must be nominated by a resident, group of individuals or recognized organization in San Fernando.
The search for TOFA will officially begin on June 8 and the nomination will be closed on October 30, 2015.
“This will give us in the executive committee enough time to select the outstanding Fernandino for the February 4, 2016 awards night during the cityhood anniversary,” De Jesus said.
Under the said ordinance, the TOFA has been expanded to 20 categories which are:
Religious Service, Environment Care and Preservation, Education, Law, Agriculture, Science and Technology, Social Service, Military and Law Enforcement, Medicine, Business, Culture and Arts (including heritage and history), Community Service, Parenthood and Family, Senior Citizens Service, Sports, Media, Youth Service, Government Service, Entrepreneurship, and Person with Disability.
Other members of the TOFA executive committee aside from De Jesus are: cochair Councilor Harvey Quiwa, Dr. Leticia Yap, Michael Quilala, Mel Briones, Alfrito “Bong” Ma, and Elias Miranda.
City Tourism Officer Ching Pangilinan and City Administrator Fernando Limbitco were also in attendance.
