FORMER Dagupan City first Lady Elmina D. Fernandez was chosen as among the country’s Ulirang Ina (Model Mother) awardees this year.

Fernandez, wife of thtree-time Dagupan City Mayor (now Immigration Commissioner) Alipio F. Fernandez Jr, received her award on Mother`s Day in a ceremony at the Hotel Intercontinental in Makati City.

The prestigious Ulirang Ina Award, which is conferred by the National Mother`s Day and Father`s Day Foundation Inc., is the highest award given to an outstanding Filipino mother for significant achievements in her respective field of endeavor and as a mother.

The Mother`s Day Award Executive Comminute was led by justice Consuelo Santiago as honorary chairperson and Leticia Talag, as chairperson.

Fernandez was cited for her successful career as a businesswoman, active involvement in community activities and as a mother of five highly accomplished children.

As a businesswoman, Fernandez is actively involved in running different family businesses, She is proprietor of Inn Asia in Dagupan City , director of the AF Fernandez Realty in Dagupan City, director of the Tarlac Memorial Park Development in Tarlac City, director of the New Tarlac Realty Inc., treasurer of the SG David Development Corporation, president of the EDF Home Developers Inc. and president of the Rural Bank of Moncada, Inc.

As a civic leader, Fernandez is the incumbent president of the Soroptimist International of Dagupan. She was also president of the First Ladies` League of Pangasinan from 1998 to 2001; president, Inner Wheel Club of Dagupan, 1994-1995: chairperson, Dagupan City Tourism Council, 1995-2001: treasurer, Gender Movers of Region 1, 1995: president, Dagupan Jayccerettes, 1974: and president, Jasmine Club of Tarlac, 1962,

As a wife and a mother, Fernandez was cited for her support to her husband`s political career and for the proper upbringing of their five children who themselves have excelled in their respective fields.