Pampanga names DSWD chief adopted son of the province in MOKA 2025
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian stood at the forefront of Pampanga’s 454th founding anniversary celebration as the Province honored him as ‘Adopted Son of Pampanga,’ underscoring this year’s Most Outstanding Kapampangan Awards (MOKA) ceremony on Thursday (December 11).
The recognition highlighted the DSWD chief’s role in advancing welfare and resilience programs that benefit vulnerable Kapampangans.
The distinction was conferred through Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Resolution No. 9757, which cited Secretary Gatchalian for his initiatives that strengthened community resilience and uplifted senior citizens, persons with disabilities, children, and marginalized groups in the province.
The Provincial Government emphasized that the sustained collaboration with the DSWD has significantly contributed to Pampanga’s development and welfare gains.
In his acceptance message, Secretary Gatchalian said it is an honor to be an ‘adopted son of Pampanga’, which is a validation of public service well rendered.
“Unang una sa ating Governor, kay Vice Governor, sa bumubuo ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Pampanga, sa inyong lahat, maraming, maraming salamat sa karangalan na ibinigay niyo sa akin bilang Honorary Kapampangan. Kapit bahay lang ho ako e ng Pampanga, pero ngayon kinupkop niyo na ho ako sa inyong probinsya, maraming salamat,” Secretary Gatchalian said on Thursday.
Secretary Gatchalian also offered a brief message on the values associated with being a Kapampangan.
“Narinig ko kanina yung message na being a Kapampangan stands for something, stands for a lot of things. It stands for resilience, it stands for compassion, it stands for hard work, and it stands for being industrious. Sisikapin ko na araw-araw e taglay-taglay natin yung mga virtues na yun para hindi ko po kayo mapapahiya. Muli maraming salamat at magandang gabi sa inyong lahat,” the DSWD chief humbly said.
Governor Lilia Pineda, Vice Governor Dennis Pineda, and Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led the annual MOKA ceremony, which honored 23 individuals and institutions with the Province’s most prestigious award. (KI)