Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Cristino L. Naguiat, Jr., and nine other exemplary individuals were accorded the “Outstanding Manilan 2013 Award” by the city government of Manila during the celebration of the 442nd “Araw ng Maynila”.

Naguiat said that being an awardee of the country’s most historic city is a great honor. “It is a great responsibility to be at the helm of an institution that helps the government uplift the lives of less privileged Filipinos. In the same manner, being considered in the league of exemplary individuals who made significant contributions to this city gives us more reasons to do our best – not only for the city of Manila but for the entire Filipino nation as well,” he added.

The PAGCOR chief was recognized for spearheading the successful and life-changing corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects of the state gaming firm that have helped improve the lives of Filipinos, particularly those in need.

Foremost among PAGCOR’s notable CSR projects is the construction of thousands of classrooms and learning centers in far-flung communities. To date, PAGCOR has allocated P3 billion for its “Matuwid na Daan sa Silid Aralan” Project. Other CSR programs of the agency include funding for the PNOY Bayanihan Project that aims to convert logs confiscated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources into school desks and chairs for the use of public schools; PAGCOR’s feeding programs for undernourished school children; support to revive the Pasig River; and the corporation’s support to the development of football at the grassroots.

Manila City Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, who led the awarding ceremony at the Manila Hotel on June 24, 2013, said “serving the public is the most glorious award that anyone can receive.” The outgoing Manila Mayor, who started to serve the City of Manila as a police patrolman at age 22 said the commendable qualities of the awardees will inspire young Manilans to also strive to make a difference for their city.

Apart from PAGCOR’s corporate social responsibility programs, Lim underscored the importance of PAGCOR’s contributions to the city of Manila. “Ang PAGCOR may binibigay silang fund assistance monthly na binibili namin ng mga gamot para sa mahihirap na pasyente. Malaking tulong iyon kaya kami nagpapasalamat. Hindi lang naman sa Maynila ito. Nationwide naman ang tulong na nararating ng PAGCOR (PAGCOR provides us with monthly fund assistance which we use to purchase medicines for less privileged patients. It is such a big help that’s why we are very thankful. PAGCOR’s assistance also has a nationwide reach and is not only limited to the city of Manila),” he said.

Meanwhile, Former Ms. International Gemma Cruz Araneta said the Outstanding Manilans Award which started way back in 1980 was given by the Manila City government to outstanding individuals who excel in their chosen fields and who have positively influenced the lives of its constituents.

“The awardees come from various sectors like public service, media and communication, education, among others. I hope this will continue because it has inspired Manilans, especially the younger generation, to give wholehearted public service to the city,” she said.

Apart from Naguiat, the nine other awardees who were recognized for their significant contributions to the city were Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle (spiritual leadership); Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario (Diplomacy); San Beda College President Fr. Aloysius Maranan (academic leadership); television host-journalist Solita Monsod (education and social consciousness); Actor Cesar Montano (film and television); Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson (public service); 1st District of Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (print media advocacy); Malayan Insurance Company President Yvonne Yuchengco (corporate leadership and management); and Gen. Vicente Lim (national defense, posthumous).

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