The 2026 Mayor’s Awards Night, held on March 3, 2026, served as a prestigious platform to honor the pillars of excellence, service, and academic brilliance in Puerto Princesa City. Among the distinguished honorees were several notable figures from the Palawan State University community whose contributions span advocacy, healthcare, and civic service.
Dr. Maria Chona J. Lacao-Sibal, Private Sector Representative and Member of the Board of Regents, was presented the Gender and Development Award (Individual) for her dedicated work in promoting gender responsiveness and protecting the dignity of all members of society. Similarly, Dr. Welthy E. Villanueva of the PalawanSU School of Medicine was recognized as one of the Five Most Outstanding Women of the Year (Health Category) for her transformative impact on local healthcare.
The city also conferred special recognition upon university retiree and former Vice President for Finance and Administration, Dr. Romeo A. Valdez, for his selfless leadership in cooperatives and local government initiatives. Recognizing the importance of youth empowerment and inclusivity, the city also recognized the JCI Puerto Princesa Oil through a Youth and Development Award. Represented by SAO Francisco III O. Baluyut and his fellow officers, the organization was lauded for molding young citizens into responsible leaders and active agents of positive change.
Aside from these service awards, the City Mayor also recognized Puerto Princesans whose exceptional academic achievements in national licensure examinations brought immense pride to the region. Collectively, these awardees embody PalawanSU’s enduring mission of building strong foundations, proving that excellence in character and intellect remains the definitive hallmark of the university community. Among the recipients were:
- Sherilyn V. Cordova – Top 5 – March 2025 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (Elementary Level)
- Nischelle E. Sagucio – Top 6 – March 2025 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (Secondary Level)
- Ar. Julius Karl A. Magno – Top 6 – June 2025 Architects Licensure Examination
- Ar. Paul Michael Gabinete – Top 8 – June 2025 Architects Licensure Examination
- Jerico B. Macalinao – Top 9 – July 2025 Master Plumber Licensure Examination
- Dianne P. Dalumpines – Top 10 – September 2025 Psychometricians Licensure Examination
- Princesa D. Talamayan – Top 1 – November 2025 Licensure Examination for Midwives
- Zachary C. Orais – Top 7 – November 2025 Nursing Licensure Examination
- Louie R. Blanco – Top 10 – January 2026 Architects Licensure Examination