A typical scene along EDSA (PIA-NCR file)

Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue is a very famous and busy highway in Metro Manila. Everyone just calls it by its acronym, "EDSA." 

The roadway earlier known as Highway 54  traverses six of Metro Manila's 17 cities, namely, from north to south, Caloocan, Quezon City, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Makati, and Pasay.

The avenue also passes through major business districts such as Araneta City, Bay City, Ortigas Center, Makati CBD, and Triangle Park. It is the longest, and probably, the most congested highway in the metropolis.

The 23.8-kilometer highway is, however, world-renowned for being the site of the 1986 and 2001 uprising and was a major battleground in several coup attempts as it serves as the buffer between the country’s two major military camps – Camps Aguinaldo and Crame. 

EDSA is named after Epifanio delos Santos, a patriot from Malabon.

Delos Santos was a lawyer and a journalist who actively took part in the achievement of the fundamental freedoms of Filipinos through his writings. 

Delos Santos wrote for Malabon's local newspaper "Libertad" (Liberty) and also became an editor of the revolutionary paper “La Independencia” (The Independence) of General Antonio Luna. He was born in Tambobong (now Malabon) on April 7, 1871.

Now, Malabon City has created a special award named after this famous historical figure to honor its outstanding citizens just like him. The award is called the "Natatanging Epifanio Delos Santos Gawad Parangal," a first of its kind for the northern metro city.

The award wants to recognize people and groups who make Malabon better through their work and service. The local government is looking for five impressive winners this year. City officials will choose people who have helped Malabon improve in different ways, like:

• Helping the needy and protecting people
• Growing businesses and jobs
• Caring for the environment
• Promoting arts and culture
• Improving education

“Layon nito na bigyang pagkilala ang mga Malabueños (indibidwal o institusyon) na may natatanging kontribusyon, tagumpay at huwarang pagganap sa iba't ibang larangan na may malaking ambag sa pag-unlad ng Malabon,” Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval said.

(Translation: Our goal here is to recognize Malabueños (individuals or institutions) with significant contributions, successes, and exemplary roles in different fields that greatly provided for the advancement of Malabon)

Anyone who lives or works in Malabon can be nominated for the award. Individuals must be at least 18 years old to join. Organizations and institutions can also be nominated for their efforts.

To nominate a candidate, you need to fill out a form and explain how they have contributed to Malabon. This will help choose winners who have made the biggest positive difference in the community.

The documentary requirements for the nomination are composed of the Accomplished Nomination Form (https://bit.ly/GawadParangalNominationForm) and Achievement Profile laying out the relevant contributions of the individual or organization being nominated. 

Once the above mentioned requirements are completed, entries should be submitted through email (malabongawadepifanio@gmail.com).

The nomination deadline is January 31, 2024. Five award winners will be announced on April 19. This is the 23rd anniversary of Malabon becoming a city.

Related stories:

Malabon introduces first 'Natatanging Epifanio Delos Santos Gawad Parangal

Fine awaits motorists who frequently sneak into EDSA bus lane

The award is a way to thank people who have helped make Malabon better, just like Epifanio de los Santos helped the Philippines long ago. It reminds everyone to serve their community through their work.

Delos Santos wrote for newspapers and fought for freedom many decades ago. Now Malabon has a special award named after him. He is a hometown hero who inspired this honor for other notable citizens.

The award shows that we should follow his example. Small acts of service add up to make our community an even better place for everyone. We can all find ways to help our neighbors and improve our respective communities. (PIA-NCR)