Seven P’sinan awardees cited

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Seven outstanding Pangasinenses who have excelled in their respective fields and brought pride to the province were honored as the 2011 ASNA awardees in a ceremony at the Sison Auditorium as one of the highlights of Pangasinan Day last April 5.

Leading the awardees were former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. and National Artist Salvador Bernal who got the Balitok Awards for global leadership and theater design, respectively.

The other awardees were former senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani for foreign service; Alma Quintans-Kern, international community leadership; engineer Marcelo Casillan Jr., community service; director Joyce Bernal, arts and culture (film); and Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz, humanitarian and military leadership.

Gov. Amado Espino Jr. lauded the awardees for being a “cut above the rest,” saying their achievements should inspire every Pangasinense.

“Asna” is the ancient term for “asin” or salt, where the province derived its name. -- EV