The prestigious MOKA started in 1978 as part of the festive commemoration of Pampanga Day and an effort to identify the outstanding men and women of the province and their contribution to its progress.

According to Vice Governor Dennis G. Pineda, MOKA Committee chairman, the event aims to celebrate noteworthy Kapampangans which in turn inspire others to excel in their respective fields or careers.

It was learned, the nominees should be Kapampangan by blood or by birth. At least one of the nominee’s parents should be a Kapampangan or the nominee is born in any of the towns or cities of Pampanga.

This year’s MOKA categories are agriculture, arts, business and entrepreneurship, culture, education, government service, judicial service, law enforcement, mass media, parenthood, religion, science and technology, social service, sports, and youth service.

Apart from this, the Capitol is not closing its doors to non-Kapampangans who are as deserving and as influential in the further growth of the province. It also confers the Outstanding Honorary Kapampangan Award for an individual who served in Pampanga and contributed to its development.

Interested parties can get their nomination forms at the Provincial Information Office (PIO) or the Arts, Culture, and Tourism Office of Pampanga (ACTOP). Said forms can also be downloaded from the PIO website, www.news.pampanga.gov.ph. The submission of nominations is open until November 11.

The winners for this year will be awarded on December 11, in culmination of the 442nd Aldo ning Kapampangan (Pampanga Day) celebration.

By Angelique Tuazon