Recognized as the most prestigious award-giving body in the city, TOFA is a triennial event hosted by the city government and the TOFA Executive Committee composed of top government officials and private sector partners.

TOFA’s goal is to recognize citizens of San Fernando who have “exceptional personal conduct or exemplary accomplishment, or outstanding achievement in their chosen field that has contributed to the enhancement of the honor and reputation of the Fernandinos.”

This year’s 11 awardees were:

• MEDICINE: Dr. Romelei S. Camiling-Alfonso, 39, physician

• SOCIAL SERVICE: Chito Santos Maniago, 41, business, media, and communications practitioner

• EDUCATION: Dr. Jean Paolo G. Lacap, 36, professor and educator

• MEDIA: Benefredo Licup Guinto, 68, local media magnate

• BUSINESS: Maria Luisa Ramos Tolentino, 73, accountant and licensed real state broker

• YOUTH SERVICE: Earl Pagsuigiron Tongol, 34, artist and quality improvement coach

• CULTURE AND ARTS: Ar. Melencio David Manalo, 56, architect

• COMMUNITY SERVICE: Engr. Felixberto Tuazon Paras, 67, philanthropist

• CIVIL SERVICE: Jefferson Timbang David, 33, registered nurse and author

• SENIOR CITIZENS SERVICE: Conrado Guanzon Garcia, 86, real state magnate

• PARENTHOOD AND FAMILY: Romero-Cruz Family, a family of teachers

The awardees were recognized through a limited in-person ceremony on February 3, 2022 at Mini Convention Center, Heroes Hall, City of San Fernando and was streamed live on the City’s official social media pages.

Vice President Leni Robredo, accompanied by Sen. Francis Pangilinan, served as the event’s guest of honor and speaker.

“Napakalaking karangalan po sa amin ni Sen. Kiko Pangilinan na makasama kayo sa isang napakahalagang okasyon ng inyong lungsod [San Fernando]. Ang pagpaparangal para sa TOFA 2022 awardees, hindi lamang pagpapasalamat dahil sa mga sakripisyong nagawa ninyo pero ito’y pagpapasalamat for going beyond what is expected of you, for being an inspiration especially to us, public servants,” Robredo said.

Robredo and Pangilinan were handed with the iconic “Parul Sampernandu” (lantern) as a token for their visit.

City Mayor Edwin Santiago said this year’s TOFA has a different message to convey as it is held for the first time in the middle of a health crisis.

“This year’s edition of TOFA is surely historic as for the first time ever, we hold it in the middle of the global health crisis – COVID-19. Worry not, because our mission is to make our awardees the façade of hope, inspiration, and success to Fernandinos and Kapampangans struggling amidst the pandemic,” Santiago said.

The nominations for this year’s TOFA were held from May to October 2021.

The search, screening, and judging committee —composed of past TOFA recipients and advocates for tourism, heritage, and cultural development —was formed to spearhead the entire selection process.

The most recent TOFA awarding was held in February 2019 where 10 individuals were recognized in the following categories: Military and Law Enforcement, Education, Medicine, Traditional Crafts, Science and Technology, Culture and Arts, Community Service, Religious Service, Youth Service, and Business.

(CSFP CIO)