THE Quezon City government on Thursday honored nine individuals, a business establishment and a humanitarian organization for their 'accomplishments, contributions, service and for being models' to their communities.

'Since 2002, the Quezon City government has conferred the Gawad Parangal Award to outstanding individuals and institutions that have not only brought honor and pride to Quezon City, but also to the entire nation,' Mayor Ma. Josefina 'Joy' Belmonte said during her opening speech at the 20th Manuel Luis Quezon Gawad Parangal Award at the Eduardo V Manalo Convention Center. This year's theme was 'Sama-samang Pagbangon sa Bagong Panahon'.