Two exceptional individuals in their respective field were honored as recipients of this year’s Gawad Dr. Pio Valenzuela, the highest and most prestigious award the City Government bestows on Valenzuelanos who excel in their respective field and lived true to the values of the hero Dr. Pio Valenzuela.

The search is now on its 15^th year of recognizing Valenzuelanos with exceptional accomplishments and contributions to the welfare of the people of Valenzuela and the country.  Despite numerous submitted nominations this year, the Awards Committee unanimously settled that only two nominees are deemed worthy of the award.  “All of the nominees are accomplished in their own field, but only two among them stood out distinctly.  We made the decision to preserve the integrity of the search,” committee member, Ms. Elizabeth Chongco said during the introduction of the winners; Mr. Fernando C. Lumacad, Sr., for excellence in Sports, and Mr. Eduardo A. Capule, for Excellence in Science and Technology.

Mr. Capule from Barangay Parada won the gold medal in the Seoul International Invention Fair held last December for his improved food and beverage container, besting other 500 inventions from 56 countries.  He is a member of the Filipino Inventors Society (FIS) and the Manila Innovation Development Society (MINDS), an organization which assists schools and student inventors in participating to national and international invention contests.

Mr. Lumacad who hails from Barangay Dalandanan, on the other hand, is a seasoned boxer who won numerous professional world titles from 1960s to 1970s.  He is currently a trainer at the famous Elorde Sports Complex, molding current and future champions and international pride.

City Mayor Sherwin T. Gatchalian personally handed down the trophies to the lucky awardees during the wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the hero Dr. Pio Valenzuela on the occasion of his 142^nd Birth Anniversary.   He was assisted by Guest of Honor, Pasig City Representative Cong. Roman T. Romulo.

Mayor WIN congratulated this year’s awardees, saying that “the celebration of the Birth Anniversary of our local hero is not just a celebration of his courage and heroism, but rather a fitting opportunity to acknowledge the modern day children of the City of Valenzuela who emulate his legacy and excel in their respective field while contributing to the progress of the city and the country.”

(2011-07-12)