HONORS & AWARDS

2026 

Certificate of Recognition, Assemblywoman Blanco Rubio, 48th District, California State Assembly. ("on behalf of the California State Legislature and residents of the 48th Assembly District, I am pleased to join the Greater West Covina Business Association to congratulate you on your Unsung Hero award recognition. Thank you for all that you do behind the scenes to support the well-being of our society. Best wishes for continued success.")

Congressional Certificate of Recognition, Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr., 31st District of California. ("Celebrating your recognition at the Greater West Covina business Association's Awards Event, you have demonstrated a highly-commendable commitment to positive impact across the San Gabriel Valley.")

Certificate of Commendation, Senator Susan Rubio, 22nd District, California State Senate. ("on behalf of the California state Senate, it is my honor to recognize your extraordinary service to our community. Your commitment to fostering empowerment through your unwavering leadership, community engagement, and mentorship is worthy of commendation. I applaud your significant contributions to the overall success of the 22nd Senate District.") 

Certificate of Appreciation, Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, County of Los Angeles. ("For your commitment to improving our communities by assisting in the 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homelessness Count") 

2025 

Certificate of Commendation, Board of Education, Rowland Unified School District, California. ("For your support of the students, staff, and community") 

2024 

Certificate of Appreciation, Greater Los Angeles Chapter, National Federation of Philippine American Associations. ("For your leadership in public policy, service, and [being an] inspiration and source of pride to NaFFA Greater Los Angeles") 

2023 

Certificate of Recognition, Board of Education, Covina Valley Unified School District, California. ("In sincere gratitude for your generous dedication in support of the District, students, and families)

Humanitarian Award, Long Beach Bacolod Association, California. ("For his passion and dedication to achieving the highest level in his career. His determination is an example to all that, with hard work and conviction, one can overcome adversity.") 

Dr. Amanda Silva Public Service Award, Filipino-American Voice United, California. (Given to those demonstrating outstanding public service and advocacy, positively impacting the community through service and leadership) 

Certificate of Appreciation, City of Carson. ("In recognition of your selfless community service and unstoppable courage, congratulations on your achievement as the recipient of the Dr. Armando Silva Public Service Award") 

Award of Recognition, Philippine American Press Club of California. ("In grateful recognition for your outstanding dedication and service as Councilman for the City of West Covina and for your outstanding support of the Club and the media in general") 

Certificate of Appreciation, "Principal for the Day," Telesis Academy of Science and Math, Rowland Unified School District, California. 

Certificate of Recognition, Assemblyman Mike Gibson, 65th District, California State Assembly. (For efforts "to link, build, network, and sustain lifelong relationships among organizations, particularly in the Los Angeles Area").

Certificate of Recognition, University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles. ("For Honor and Excellence" in community service)

2022 

Certificate of Recognition, Senator Susan Rubio, 22nd District, California State Senate. ("On behalf of the California State Senate, it is my honor to congratulate you on your installation as Councilmember to the City of West Covina. I applaud your commitment to the community and look forward to the success that you will bring to our region and shared constituents. Congratulations!") 

Certificate of Appreciation, Philippine American Association of West Covina. ("In grateful recognition for your continued service and support.") 

Performance Award, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education (For superior professional accomplishment in carrying out work objectives) 

2021

Special Act Service Award, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Services, Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer, U.S. Department of Education (For noteworthy contributions to the First Annual DEIA Conference) 

Marc Gold Employment Award, TASH (formerly “Team of Advocates for the Severely Handicap”) (For having written a comprehensive resource-rich book supporting internship, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities for people with all types of disabilities nationwide) 

2019

Certificate of Completion, Mentoring Pilot Program, Office of Human Resources, U.S. Department of Education.

Certificate of Recognition, Headquarters Office, Internal Revenue Service. (For increasing awareness among leaders and managers about the true capabilities of people with disabilities to contribute successfully to the workplace.)

2017

Angel in Adoption, Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (“For your extraordinary contributions on behalf of children in need of a loving home”) 

Inductee, Susan M. Daniels National Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame, National Disability Mentoring Coalition (“In recognition of his lifetime commitment of improving lives through mentoring”) 

2014 

Named among the 50 Most Inspirational Alumni of All Time, Loyola Law School, Los Angeles (for noteworthy career achievement, serving as an example for all Law School alumni) 

2009 

Attorney General’s Special Achievement Award, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice (“in appreciation and recognition for Meritorious Acts of Service performed in behalf of the Department”)

Assistant Attorney General’s Commendation Award, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice (“In recognition for your exceptional service and your dedication to the disability community as Special Counsel in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice”) 

Exemplary Advocate Award, Division on Visual Impairment, Council for Exceptional Children (“For promoting the quality of life for people who are blind or visually impaired”) 

2008

Attorney General’s Special Achievement Award, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice (“For appreciation and recognition for sustained superior performance of duty”) 

Spirit of Service Inclusion Award for Distinguished Leadership, Corporation for National and Community Service, Institute for Community Inclusion, and the Association of University Centers on Excellence in Disability (For years of promoting proactive volunteerism in community service by people with disabilities) 

Distinguished Public Service Award, Disability Business and Technical Assistance Center and the North American Coalition for Parents with Developmental and Cognitive Challenges (“For contributions to improving the quality of life of people with disabilities”) 

Plaque of Appreciation, Filipino-American Multi-Ethnic Society (“For your commitment, dedication, and support for mentoring, educating, and motivating leadership development”) 

Plaque of Appreciation, Security Management Division, Office of Administration, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (For efforts to educate personnel about the emergency preparedness needs of persons with disabilities) 

2007

Chairman’s Award of Special Recognition, President’s Committee For Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (now, the AbilityOne® Program) (“For historic work to expand support for modern approaches in hiring people with disabilities and developing their leadership in business”)

Meritorious Service Award, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Justice (“For outstanding service in the advancement of the public interest”) 

Attorney General’s Special Service Award, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice (For leadership in expanding and strengthening scope of civil rights enforcement for people with disabilities) 

Establishment of the Olegario D. Cantos VII Outstanding Leadership Award, Center for Independent Living of Fresno (to be given annually and in perpetuity to one outstanding local community leader who forges systemic impact in the lives of people with disabilities) 

Legendary Achievement Award, United Batangueños of Southern California (“For pioneering efforts to help educate, empower, and inspire millions of people around the world to reach their greatest potential and for noteworthy accomplishments in representing Filipino pride in action while serving the President of the United States”) 

Award of Appreciation, Army National Guard (For efforts to promote leadership principles and the need to include Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in every aspect of military service and civilian support) 

Certificate of Appreciation, Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice (For “your distinguished role to help victim service providers exchange lessons and practices in effective service delivery”) 

2006

Pamana Ng Pilipino (“Legacy of the Filipino”) Award, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Republic of the Philippines (For extraordinary leadership in demonstrating the highest values of Filipino ideals at their best) 

Mayoral Proclamation, Robert A. Cashell, Sr., Mayor, City of Reno (declaring October 16, 2007 as a day in honor of Olegario D. Cantos VII for national leadership, having an impact on the City of Reno, NV) 

Key to the City, James Abramson, Mayor, City of Louisville (For impacting the lives of people with disabilities in Louisville, KY) 

Living Tribute Award, Catholic Big Brothers/Big Sisters (For ongoing exemplary work in serving as a role model for youth) 

Robert Stack Achievement Award, Blind Children’s Center (For decades of steady leadership in demonstrating the true capabilities of those who are blind) 

President’s Volunteer Service Award, President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation (“In recognition and appreciation for your commitment to strengthening our Nation and for making a difference through volunteer service”) 

2005

Award of Appreciation, ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (“In grateful recognition for outstanding service”) 

Attorney General’s Special Service Award, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice (For leadership in expanding and strengthening scope of civil rights enforcement for people with disabilities) 

Joint Plaque of Appreciation, Edwards Air Force Base / Dryden Flight Testing Center of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (For exemplary contributions in promoting employment opportunities for people with disabilities) 

Plaque of Appreciation, 96th Wing Command, Eglin Air Force Base (for efforts to educate military and civilian personnel about the skill and potential of members of the disability community in working as an integral part of Air Force operations) 

Outstanding Alumnus Award, Board of Governors, Loyola Law School, Los Angeles (“In recognition for outstanding contributions to society, the practice of law, and to the Loyola Law School community”) 

Certificate of Appreciation, United States Senate (“In recognition of Outstanding Accomplishments”)

Certificate of Recognition, California State Legislature (“For championing of civil rights, particularly those of the disabled)

Founder’s Award, Asian Rehabilitation Services (for outstanding leadership in fostering economic advancement of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with disabilities through promoting opportunities for gainful employment) 

2004 

Dwight D. Eisenhower Commission, Republican National Committee (Life Membership status, bearing the signatures of all living Republican presidents and being conferred for steadfast Service and dedication to the Republican Party; my name is engraved on a plaque at RNC National Headquarters.)

Daily Point of Light Award for August 10, 2004, Points of Light Foundation (for volunteerism and community service)

California Big Brother of the Year, California Collaborative on Big Brothers/Big Sisters (for exemplary leadership out of 15,000 big brother “matches” in serving as a positive role model to youth)

2003 

Key to the City from Kansas City (Missouri) Mayor Kay Barnes (for leadership in promoting internship and employment opportunities at an international level and in Kansas City)

Administrator’s Award of Appreciation, Federal Aviation Administration (for ongoing efforts to promote mentoring  of people with disabilities)

2002 

Leader of Tomorrow Award, Pennsylvania Affiliate, People First (for ongoing work to inspire fellow people with disabilities to speak on their own behalf and to determine the course of their own lives)

Outstanding Service Award, Loyola Marymount University National Alumni Association

Service Award, State Bar of California (for distinguished service as a member of the Standing Committee on the Delivery of Legal Services)

2001 

Plaque of Recognition, Employment Diversity Source (for substantially contributing to enhancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities throughout Los Angeles)

Regional Finalist, White House Fellowship Program (over 600 applicants total)

2000 

Paul G. Hearne National Leadership Award, American Association of People with Disabilities (for up-and-coming disability rights leaders, so prestigious that each Award is presented to recipients by members of Congress)

Outstanding Service Award, City of West Covina (for community service and exemplary community citizenship)

Access Award, Commission on Disabilities, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (for outstanding service to the community in advancing disability rights)

Award of Excellence in Leadership, Service & Achievement, United Batangueños of Southern California (highest honor, given for exemplary achievement and service to the community)

1998 

Distinguished Service Award, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (for leadership as the first client-eligible Board Member to make contributions that warranted being elected to various of its top officer positions from among Board Members who included partners at large law firms, Bar leaders, non-profit organization executives, and other high- profile community activists) 

1995 

Distinguished Leadership Award, City of West Covina - West Covina, CA (for leadership in the community through hundreds of hours of volunteer service) 

1992 

Stanley Chan Award for Most Outstanding Graduate in Political Science, Loyola Marymount University (highest honor given to a graduate in the Department, selected by the Department’s faculty based on academic performance and service) 

University Presidential Award, Loyola Marymount University (for leadership, community service, and embodying University ideals) 

Alpha Sigma Nu National Jesuit Honor Society (given to only a select few in any year, honoring highest levels of achievement in academic excellence and community service) 

Student Government Person of the Year (selected by and among all elected and appointed student government leaders to the one individual who demonstrates exemplary contributions to the University as a whole) 

Rev. Alfred J. Kilp Service and Leadership Award, Loyola Marymount University (given to students whose leadership and service extend far above and beyond the call of duty) 

Los Angeles Philanthropic Foundation Scholarship (awarded to a handful of students whose scholarship and service embody philanthropy and a commitment to helping others) 

1991 

Ezra Davis National Scholar, National Federation of the Blind (named one of the top 2 of more than 500 applicants as the most outstanding blind scholars of the year) 

Rev. Alfred J. Kilp Service and Leadership Award, Loyola Marymount University (given to students whose leadership and service extend far above and beyond the call of duty) 

1990

Scholar of the Year, National Federation of the Blind of California (named the highest blind scholar in the State of California) 

Distinguished Leadership and Service Award, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (given for “Numerous Accomplishments and Outstanding Service to the Public” in recognition of ongoing leadership in the community) 

Outstanding Youth Award, City of Los Angeles (awarded by the Mayor for exemplary accomplishments by youth in the community; only 20 given)