The annual “Gawad Dangal ng Lipi” was held during the Gabi ng mga Bulakeño at Holiday Inn, Manila on September 15. 

Gawad Dangal ng Lipi, the highest and the most prestigious award given by the province, recognizes the meritorious contributions of outstanding Bulakeños that catalyzed progress for the province.

Gov. Josie dela Cruz said that she is very proud that Bulacan still has a heap of great modern day heroes who stand out in their respective fields. This is a confirmation that the Bulakeños still live with the tradition of excellence and heroism.

Sen. Blas Ople of Hagonoy is this year’s “Natatanging Dangal ng Lipi” awardee. Former Senate President Ople is a great writer, a public servant and an exceptional Bulakeño who dealt with his experiences as his teacher.

Customs Inspector Valeriano P. Galang of Calumpit is the recipient of award for public service category which is the highest recognition given to a government employee, for his continuous support in fighting against corruption in the Bureau of Customs.

Adelaida P. San Juan of Marilao, awardee of the community service category, is the district supervisor of Marilao Central School who has devoted her 30 years of service in spearheading her community to socio-civic works.

Dr. Fe S. Ventura of San Miguel has been a dedicated educator for a long time and has achieved enormous success making her the recipient of the award for the professional category.

The best umpire Oscar J. Bulaong of Malolos, who became famous in the world of baseball and softball was chosen, is the awardee for the sports category.

Outstanding businessman for the Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Castor Santiago of Hagonoy is the recipient of the award for the entrepreneur category.

The Great Son of Pulilan Felix S. Navarro, the recipient of the award for health category, has contributed in mitigating health problems of the poor with his innumerable health projects.

Agriculture category awardee Abundio de Ocampo of Sta. Maria took the big leap for the farmer with his unparalleled ways in improving farming that made his fellow cultivator proud of their rank.

Ismael C. Trinidad of Baliuag, a businessman who has rendered significant help for his town in various ways is this year’s awardee for the Filipino expatriate category.

DBP icon Remedios L. Macalincag of Bulacan has carried out different programs for the development of the community and she was given some of the most prestigious awards for these efforts. She is the recipient of the trade and industry category.

An outstanding educator and a writer, Atty. Benjamin P. Paulino of Bustos is the president, co-founder and incorporator of the Philippine School of Business Administration. He is this year’s awardee for the education category.

The awarding rite, a project of the Provincial Government of Bulacan in cooperation with the Bulacan Ladies Association and the Bulacan Tourism Council, is the culminating activity of the weeklong festivity of the Linggo ng Bulacan.