Nominations for model city citizens extended

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Nominations for "The Outstanding Fernandinos Awards" (Tofa), an annual search for this city's most distinguished citizens, has been extended to November 30 this year.

This was announced recently by the Executive Committee led by businesswoman and civic leader Ma. Theresa Laus, who said that the search would have to be expanded to cover all categories and discover real outstanding Fernandinos in their respective fields.

Laus and the committee also announced the addition of another category for the "specially abled" people

The Tofa 2011 is in line with the city's celebration of its 10th cityhood anniversary next year. Usually, awardees are feted on February 4, the date the City of San Fernando became a component city.

City Tourism Officer Ching Pangilinan said the Tofa search is conducted early starting with the submission of nominations, this because deliberations and decisions on making the choices normally take months of scrutiny.

Mayor Oscar Rodriguez said that Tofa is a vital component of the city's governance, which cites exemplary Fernandinos in various fields contributing to development and delivering benefits for the people of San Fernando.

Tofa categories include awards in the fields of religious service, environment care and preservation, education, law, agriculture, science and technology, social service, military and law enforcement, medicine (including health services and allied medical profession), business, culture and arts (including heritage and history), community service, parenthood and family, senior citizens service, sports, media, youth service, government service (non-elected public servants) and entrepreneurship.

For one to be nominated, he or she must have been born in the city and have at least one Fernandino parent; must have been a resident here for at least 15 years; must have rendered at least five years of exemplary service in the city; must be of good moral character and exceptional personal conduct or must have exemplary accomplishment that has contributed to the enhancement of the honor and reputation of Fernandinos.

Nomination forms are available at the City Tourism Office.

This year's Tofa Executive Committee is headed by Laus, a former awardee, with Marco Antonio Jimenez as co-chairman.

Committee members include Councilor Jimmy Lazatin, Jose Victor De Leon, Luningning Llanto, Leticia Dayrit, Dr. Leticia Yap, Clarita Magtoto, and Dauphin Punzalan. (Jovi T. De Leon)