CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — In celebration of the 454th founding anniversary of Pampanga, the Provincial Government proudly conferred on Thursday, December 11, the 2025 Most Outstanding Kapampangan Awards (MOKA) to 23 exemplary individuals and institutions whose achievements embody the finest Kapampangan values, culture, and traditions.
The annual MOKA ceremony—recognized as the highest and most prestigious honor bestowed by the Provincial Government—was led by Governor Lilia “Nanay” G. Pineda, Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” G. Pineda, and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members.
Serving as Guest of Honor and Speaker this year was National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Larry Lacson, PhD 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 PLTCOL Aris B. Gonzales (Law Enforcement), Marissa P. Fajardo (Education), Oliver S. Tumang (Sports), Lany L. Manaloto, RM, BSM (Government Service), Engr. Joliber P. Mapiles, PhD (Entrepreneurship), and Jose Irwin M. Nucum (Music).
Also recognized were Jayson G. Pabalan (Performing Arts) and Band 94 Pandacaqui (Institutional Award – Performing Arts).
Additional honorees include 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).
Other awardees acknowledged during the ceremony 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).
The province likewise honored Dr. Michael M. Manio, MD, MHPED, PhD, FHEA, PCAP (Overseas Filipino Worker), Maria Teresa F. Sanchez-Tolosa, M.D. (Medicine), Dr. Gerardo D. Legazpi, MD, FAFN (Public Health), Ar. Normandy N. Canlas, UAP, ASEAN AR, APEC AR, FRIA, Int’l Assoc.-AIA (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 improving 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 47-year tradition of the MOKA.
“Nasa ku na tuluy-tuluy ko sanang maging inspirasyon karen karapang tau lalung-lalu 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.
MOKA. Pampanga Capitol honors 23 individuals and institutions at the 2025 Most Outstanding Kapampangan Awards (MOKA) on Thursday, December 11. (Photo by: Daniel Ombina/ Pampanga PIO)
