Mexico City Congress Honors Outstanding Contributions in Key Sectors
Mexico City, April 21, 2026 – In a solemn session held yesterday, the Mexico City Congress acknowledged the exemplary work of individuals and institutions across three vital areas: education, integral risk management, and the defense of people with disabilities. The distinguished recipients included the H. Cuerpo de Bomberos de la Ciudad de México (Mexico City Fire Department) and the head of the Secretaría de Gestión Integral de Riesgos y Protección Civil (SGIRPC).
During the ceremony, the local legislative body presented the “Professor José Santos Valdés Medal for Teaching Merit” to seven educators, the “Medal for Merit in Integral Risk Management and Civil Protection” to five individuals and the Heroic Mexico City Fire Department, and the “Medal for Merit in the Defense of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” to two activists.
Recognizing Educational Excellence
Speaking on behalf of the Education, Science, Technology, Innovation, and Artificial Intelligence Commission, Deputy Patricia Urriza Arellano emphasized the profound impact of the “Medal for Teaching Merit” recipients. She highlighted their role in shaping the future generations, underscoring education as a “proven social elevator.”
José Shabot Cherem, founder of the Construyendo y Creciendo Foundation, which has been educating construction workers for over 20 years, accepted the award in the Primary Education category. He eloquently stated, “Education is the foundation of everything. Just as the foundation supports a building, education sustains life; without it, everything is fragile. With education, anything is possible.”
Honoring Risk Management and Civil Protection Efforts
Deputy Lizzette Salgado Viramontes, in her address regarding the “Medal for Merit in Integral Risk Management and Civil Protection,” affirmed that this crucial work thrives thanks to those who build and strengthen institutions in this field. As President of the Commission for Integral Risk Management and Civil Protection, she commended the dedication of individuals, corporations, and institutions involved in emergency response, recognizing their vocation for service and genuine commitment to the capital’s residents.
Myriam Urzúa Venegas, head of the SGIRPC and recipient in the “Prevention Field” category, expressed that the life, safety, and dignity of individuals must be at the core of all public decisions. “I receive this medal with sincere gratitude and humility. I do not see it as an individual distinction, but as a reflection of work that is by definition collective,” she remarked.
Advocating for Disability Rights
Regarding the “Medal for Merit in the Defense of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,” Deputy Víctor Gabriel Varela López asserted that this recognition reinforces Mexico City’s humanist and solidarity-driven vision. As President of the Commission for Inclusion, Social Welfare, and Enforceability of Social Rights, he stressed the importance of establishing a Care System to secure the rights of all populations, with a priority on people with disabilities.
Gustavo Eduardo Martínez Guevara, an award recipient, spoke from the tribune, recalling the various forms of aggression and discrimination faced by people with disabilities throughout history. He also highlighted that over 20 million people in Mexico live with some form of disability, encountering employment, educational, and social rejections, indicating a legislative debt to this sector.
