CITY OF MALOLOS – In an incredible display of dedication to public service, the late former Bocaue Mayor Eleanor Joni Villanueva-Tugna was honored with the prestigious title of “Pinakanatatanging Babaeng Lingkod Bayan sa Panahon ng Pandemya” during the Gawad Medalyang Ginto 2024 on Tuesday night (March 12) at The Pavilion in Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here.
During the event dubbed as “Matatag na Pamilyang Bulakenyo, Katuwang sa Pagpapa-unlad ng Lalawigan Ko”, which is part of Bulacan’s celebration of the Women’s Month, Governor Daniel R. Fernando commended Tugna’s unwavering commitment to public service, noting that even in the face of personal health challenges, she continued to serve her constituents with dedication and grace.
“Her legacy as a beacon of selflessness and dedication will forever be remembered in the hearts of the people of Bulacan,” Fernando added.
One of the many notable accomplishments of Tugna during this challenging time was the successful implementation of a mass testing program for front liners and persons under investigation (PUIs). This initiative played a crucial role in curbing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting the community.
The Provincial Government of Bulacan bestowed this esteemed award upon Tugna in recognition of her outstanding service, as outlined in Sangguniang Panlalawigan Kapasiyahan Blg. 213-T’2024 – Kapasiyahang Nagbibigay ng Pinakamataas na Pagkilala at Parangal bilang Pinakanatatanging Babaeng Lingkod Bayan Ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan Ng Bulacan Sa Pangunguna ng Punong Lalawigan, Igg. Daniel R. Fernando at Pangalawang Punong Lalawigan Igg. Alexis C. Castro at lahat ng bumubuo ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan Kay Igg. Eleanor “Joni” Villanueva-Tugna, dating Punong Bayan ng Bocaue, Bulacan, a resolution that acknowledges her as the most exceptional female public servant in the province, a title well-deserved for her tireless efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Malugod na pagbati rin ang nais kong ipaabot sa mga natatanging kababaihang Bulakenyo na bibigyang pagkilala at parangal sa ating taunang Gawad Medalyang Ginto sa pangunguna ng minamahal nating yumaong Mayor Joni Villanueva-Tugna ng bayan ng Bocaue. Makakaasa po kayong patuloy ninyong makakatuwang ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan at patuloy tayong mangunguna sa implementasyon ng mga programang mangangalaga at maghahatid ng mas marami pang oportunidad para sa bawat Bulakenya”, Fernando said.
Meanwhile, other outstanding women in different fields were also recognized including Jonnah L. Garcia of the City of Malolos as “Natatanging Babae”; Meysulao Lady Warriors (MEYDYWA) headed by its President Jenneelyn Grace Flores of Calumpit for “Natatanging Samahang Pangkababaihan”; KPK-Malolos headed by President Maria Cristina S. Dionisio of the City of Malolos as “Matagumpay na KPK”; Maria Lourdes C. Marquez of Obando as “Matagumpay na Babaeng Mangangalakal”; Palmarina B. Tejuco of the City of Malolos as “Matagumpay na Babaeng Makakalikasan”; and Jasmin P. Lucas of Norzagaray as “Matagumpay na Babae sa Makabagong Pagnenegosyo”.
The governor also announced that all the 21 nominees will receive P10,000 each while he will double the cash prizes of the six awardees.
Also present during the awarding ceremony were Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro, Bocaue Mayor Eduardo J. Villanueva and Vice Mayor Atty. Sherwin Tugna who received the award on behalf his wife, former Mayor Joni, Matagumpay na Babaeng Mangangalakal 2020 Cristina C. Tuzon, guest of honor and one of PKKB Commissioners, and Dr. Eva M. Fajardo, Chairperson of PKKB.
Women’s Month and Gawad Medalyang Ginto in Bulacan were started IN 1996 through Executive Order No. 96-07 and Board Resolution No. 215 and have already awarded about a hundred Bulakenyas. (With reports from Verna Santos and Jason B. Estrada)
