CITATION. Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando (2nd from left) awards to Bocaue Mayor JonJon Villanueva, Mayor Joni's husband Vice Mayor Sherwin Tugna and his children, the copy of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolution honoring the late mayor during the Gawad Medalyang Ginto 2024 at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center, City of Malolos on Tuesday night (March 12, 2024). Also in photo are Vice Governor Alex Castro (7th from left), Board Member Mina Fermin (8th from left) and Provincial Administrator Antonette Vasquez Constantino (left). (Photo by Manny Balbin)
CITY OF MALOLOS – The provincial government of Bulacan has feted outstanding Bulakenyo women in various fields of public service to celebrate Women’s Month.
The late Bocaue town mayor Eleanor Joni Villanueva-Tugna led the list of the honored women and was bestowed the title “Pinakanatatanging Babaeng Lingkod Bayan sa Panahon ng Pandemya” during the Gawad Medalyang Ginto 2024 awarding held Tuesday night at the 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 Women’s Month, Governor Daniel 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 said.
One of the many notable accomplishments of Tugna during the height of the pandemic was the successful implementation of a mass testing program for front-liners and suspected Covid-19 virus carriers. This initiative played a crucial role in curbing the spread of Covid-19 and protecting the community.
The provincial government recognized Tugna's outstanding service as outlined in a resolution passed recently by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Tugna, daughter of CIBAC Party-list Representative Eddie Villanueva and sister of Senator Joel Villanueva, passed away on May 28, 2020.
Meanwhile, the other outstanding women and groups that were also recognized include Jonnah 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 Dionisio of the City of Malolos as “Matagumpay na KPK”; Maria Lourdes Marquez of Obando as “Matagumpay na Babaeng Mangangalakal”; Palmarina Tejuco of the City of Malolos as “Matagumpay na Babaeng Makakalikasan”; and Jasmin Lucas of Norzagaray as “Matagumpay na Babae sa Makabagong Pagnenegosyo”.
The governor announced that he would double the cash prizes to be given to the six awardees.
Also present during the awarding ceremony were Vice Governor Alexis Castro, Bocaue Mayor Eduardo Villanueva and Vice Mayor Sherwin Tugna who received the award on behalf of his wife, former Mayor Joni.
The awarding of Gawad Medalyang Ginto in Bulacan to celebrate Women's Month started in 1996 through Executive Order No. 96-07 and Board Resolution No. 215. About a hundred Bulakenyas have been bestowed awards since then. (PNA)
