Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - On Friday, the municipal government honored journalist Martha Ramirez Ruiz by presenting her with the 2015 "Ignacio Luis Vallarta Ogazón" Premio Vallarta, the highest award given by the city to those who, by their actions, merits and achievements, contribute to the development and welfare of the community.

The acting mayor, Javier Pelayo Mendez, led the recognition ceremony, where other prominent personalities who stand out within the city's political and social, magisterial and educational, and arts and cultural sectors were also recognized.

The mayor acknowledged the life trajectory of Martha Ramirez Ruiz who, for nearly three decades, has not only worked diligently on various cultural and social issues in the city, but has also managed to preserve, disseminate and keep the history of this port alive, which all led to her receiving this well-deserved recognition by the people and government of Puerto Vallarta.

Pelayo Mendez also highlighted the accomplishments of the Maestra Hildelisa Lopez Rodriguez, who received the 'Francisco Medina Ascencio' award; Professor Salvador Villalobos Andrade, who was awarded with the 'Francisca Rodriguez Rodriguez' prize; and painter Roberto Bermejo Osornio, winner of the 'Manuel Lepe Macedo' award, in appreciation for what they have done for Puerto Vallarta and for their beneficial work in the community.

"Honor to whom honor is due, I have always said. And today I am grateful for being in a position to honor these people who have done so much for Puerto Vallarta and deliver these awards to them in the presence of their loved ones, on behalf of the city council," the mayor said.

The Vallarta prize is the highest award granted by the municipality to the inhabitants of this port. Awarded to Vallartenses by birth or adoption who have resided in the city for at least five years, the prize recognizes eminent merit or distinguished and exemplary behavior relevant to deeds or services performed for the town and its inhabitants, as well as heroic acts.

The Premio Vallarta has been awarded to the public annually since 1998. The areas that are recognized are: culture, sports, education, politics, lawyers and prominent cultivators of social sciences, economic development and institutional loyalty.

Awards, recognition and incentives are granted to individuals or legal entities for outstanding activities and performance of their assigned duties and any exceptional act that benefits the municipality or its inhabitants.