CLARK FREEPORT -- Twelve kabalens were recognized as most outstanding Kapampangans during the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Awards (Moka) ceremony at Royce Hotel and Casino here on Wednesday, December 11.
The awarding was the main event of the celebration of the 448th founding anniversary of Pampanga dubbed as the "Aldo ning Kapampangan."
Governor Dennis Pineda, in his message, said, "Your personal excellence in your respective fields tells a lot about the community that we have: a community of talented, well-driven, and honorable individuals."
Vice Governor Lilia Pineda, Moka committee chairperson, said the annual conferment of the award is valuable to the Provincial Government because it recognizes exemplary Kapampangans who excel in their respective fields of endeavor and contribute to the welfare and reputation of the Kapampangan race.
The vice-governor, in her message read by Board Member Anthony Joseph Torres, said: "Ing dangalan pu, e yamu karela nune dangalan niya naman ning kekatamung probinsya at anti mu rin dangalan ne ning balen Kapampangan (The honor is not just theirs but for all Kapampangans)."
Governor Pineda led the conferment of the "Ing Tala ning Kabiasnan at Kayapan ning Kapampangan" trophy to the 2019 Moka awardees.
Among the Moka recipients were Dr. Rolando Enrique Domingo for Government Service; Police Major Ohmar Bognot, law enforcement; Kayla Noelle Sanchez, sports; Elvira Machuca, business and technology; Leilani Samson-Cunanan, education; and Allen Dizon, arts.
Also conferred with the prestigious award were Ivan Mayrina for mass media; Rodico De Dios, culture; Dr. Sevillo David Jr., science and technology; Irene Manliclic-Adion, agriculture; Maria Glorian Tomen, social service; and Jericho Arceo, youth service.
Archbishop Emeritus Paciano Aniceto also graced the event as the guest of honor.
The selection and evaluation of this year's Moka awardees were conducted a week before the ceremony at the Aquino Hall, Capitol Compound here.
Moka alumni Cecile Yumul (1993, Education), Alejandro Alviz (2002, Arts and Culture), Leonardo Canlas (2012, Education), Police Superintendent Narvin Mangune (2018, Law Enforcement), and Michael Raymon Pangilinan (2010, Culture) served as the judges who chose the roster of this year's most outstanding Kapampangans.
The Moka has been the major highlight of the Aldo ning Kapampangan since its inception in 1978 under the initiative of then Governor Juanita Nepomuceno. It is perceived as the pinnacle of all awards conferred by the Province of Pampanga to its outstanding sons and daughters.
Today, more than 400 outstanding Kapampangans from different fields have been chosen and honored with the famed award. (PR)