The Rotary Club, through its Golden Wheel Awards, has given special recognition to men and women who have exemplified “service above self” and the guiding principles of the Four-Way Test.
“The 2019-2020 Golden Wheel awardees are all recognized in their respective fields for their work in the fields of peace and conflict; government service; sports; agriculture; trade and industry; corporate social responsibility; media practice; arts and culture; tourism development; good governance and health. They are among the best in what they do and have contributed to the overall development of the nation,” said Bagong Henerasyon party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera.
Herrera serves as governor of Rotary International District 3780 (Quezon City) and the ex-officio chairperson of the award’s search committee.
The 12 awardees were Jorge Leon-Araneta, chief executive officer, chairman and president of The Araneta Group; Greco Belgica, Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission chief; Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, peace negotiator in the peace process with the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front; Luz
Annalee Escudero-Catibog, GMA Kapuso Foundation executive vice president; Jing Castañeda-Velasco, ABS-CBN and dzMM broadcast journalist; Romulo Galicano, painter; Senator Christopher “Bong” Go; Jamie Lim, Southeast Asian Games gold medalist in karatedo; Henry Lim Bon Liong, SL Agritech Corp. chairman and CEO; Dr. Ma. Lourdes Marquez, wellness specialist and dzMM teleradyo host; Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat, and Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III received a special Golden Wheel award for being a Rotarian from another district, but whose contributions over his long career in the public health sector merited recognition.
A special award was given to Mildred Vitangcol, St. Peter Life Plan board chairperson. The board of judges selected the awardees based on their outstanding contribution to the advancement of their vocation, business or profession, their significant service to the community and the nation that resulted in the improvement of the lives of Filipinos, and the achievements and contributions exemplifying integrity and firm adherence to high ethical standards in business or their professions.