BALANGA City, Bataan: A 62-year-old businessman became the first papal awardee in 15 years after receiving the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award during a mass on Saturday at St. Joseph Cathedral in Balanga City, Bataan.

Bishop Rufino Santos of Balanga diocese, bestowed the honor on Milagros Faith Aquende-Banzon. Her husband, Oscar Banzon, received the same award in 1997.

The bishop said that the award was given to Banzon by Pope Benedict XVI to recognize her contribution for the propagation of the Catholic faith.

“Ito ang pinakamataas na gawad pagkilala sa ipinagkaloob ng Santo Papa sa mga layko sa kanilang mga natatanging ambag sa buhay pananampalataya ng Santa Iglesia Katolika [This is the highest award given by the Pope to a member of the laity for their contribution to the Catholic Church],” Santos said.

He noted that the first award was given on July 17, 1888 in memory of Pope Leo XIII.

Banzon is an active member of various church organizations and participated in fund-raising campaigns sponsored by the diocese of Balanga.

“Ang lahat ng tinatamasa naming mag-aanak ay dahil sa pagpapala ng Diyos [every blessing that our family receives come from God’s grace],” Banzon, for her part, said.

The awardee said that she has asked her children to follow what they are doing for the church.

With her husband, Banzon went into successful ventures in hotel, restaurant, resorts and subdivision. They own Abesco Construction Co., Crown Royale Hotel, Fortune Restaurant, La Vista Inland Resort and Monte Vista Village, which are all located in Balanga.

The couple has four children and five grandchildren.