The best thing about Manila has always been its people.
That message took center stage during the Gawad Manileño 2026 awarding ceremony held on June 18 at The Metropolitan Theater, one of the highlights of Manila's 455th Founding Anniversary celebration carrying the theme, "Matatag sa Hamon, Pinagtibay ng Panahon."
Manila Officials and Award Recipient Universidad de Manila-Bahaghari
During the ceremony, the Manila City Government honored individuals, institutions, businesses and community organizations whose contributions continue to help shape a stronger, more vibrant and resilient capital.
While this year's awardees come from diverse sectors, they share a common mission: improving the lives of fellow Manileños and contributing to the city's continuing progress.
Among those being honored are education advocate Dr. Rhodora Angela Fernandez Ferrer, Manila Health Department official Dr. Grace H. Padilla, veteran broadcaster DJ Chacha, renowned fashion designer Patis Tesoro, and Gilas Women's Basketball standout Quinn Kacey Dela Rosa. The awards also recognize advocacies that strengthen communities, including Universidad de Manila-Bahaghari for promoting inclusivity and youth empowerment, and Barangay 412 in District IV for advancing environmental stewardship and community participation.
For Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, Gawad Manileño is more than an awards ceremony—it is a celebration of the people and institutions helping move the city forward.
Domagoso said the recognition honors outstanding Manileños whose talent, dedication and service contribute to the city's growth, emphasizing that the award carries a tradition of recognizing excellence and reminding others that "ang kabutihan ay may bunga" and "ang serbisyo ay may saysay."
"Ang Gawad Manileño ay hindi lamang tropeyo o pagkilala. Ito ay pagpapahalaga sa mga indibidwal at grupong nag-aambag sa pag-unlad ng ating lungsod," he said.
He added that the city's success ultimately depends not only on the government but also on citizens who choose to serve and make a difference. "A great city is not built by the government alone, but by citizens who care," Domagoso said, drawing laughter from the audience after joking, "Dinugo ang ilong.
The awards likewise highlight the role of the private sector in Manila's continued growth. Among this year's honorees are some of the city's largest taxpayers and investors, including International Container Terminal Services Inc., Asian Terminals Inc., Manila North Harbour Port Inc., SM Prime Holdings, and Megaworld Corporation.
The recognition was not limited to large corporations. The city also honored individual business taxpayers, including members of the Yuchengco and Tiongson families, as well as enterprises such as Mintex Industrial Supply, U2 Electrical Contractor, and Meedpharma Medical Supplies & Equipment Distributor.
Major employers such as Golden Arches Development Corporation, Jollibee Foods Corporation, and Concentrix Philippines are also being recognized for creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities for residents.
Vice Mayor Chi Atienza credited Manila's continued progress to the partnership between government and its stakeholders, particularly taxpayers whose contributions help fund programs and services that benefit residents across the city.
Thanking taxpayers for their continued trust, she assured them that the city remains committed to responsible stewardship of public funds.
"Sa administrasyong ito, nakikita ko kung paano masinop na pinamamahalaan ang bawat pisong ibinabayad ninyo upang mas mapabuti ang buhay ng bawat Manileño," she said.
Taken together, this year's awardees tell a larger story about Manila itself. They reflect a city that continues to invest in education, healthcare, culture, sports, environmental awareness, and economic opportunity—and one where progress is driven by collaboration among government, businesses, and communities.
This year's honorees now join a distinguished roster of past recipients that includes media executive Charo Santos-Concio, Manila Bulletin President Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, and San Miguel Corporation Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang. Their inclusion underscores what Gawad Manileño has long celebrated: individuals and institutions whose contributions create lasting impact.
In the end, the award serves as a reminder that Manila's greatest strength has always been its people.
About Gawad Manileno Award
City of Manila’s premier recognition program that honors outstanding individuals, organizations, and institutions for their excellence, dedication, and meaningful contributions to the development and welfare of Manila. Held as part of the city’s 455th founding anniversary celebration, the awards recognize exemplary achievements in fields such as public service, education, health, culture and the arts, media, sports, environmental stewardship, and community development. The 2026 edition carries the theme “Pagpupugay sa Kahusayan at Paglilingkod,” celebrating those who embody the spirit of service and inspire positive change in the community.
Source: Nyou