Ophthalmologist Medina Azahara Moya, Honorary Citizen of Alicante 2024

The Deputy of Culture, Juan de Dios Navarro, presided over the commemorative event for the 'Day of the Honorary Citizen of Alicante' on the morning of Sunday, September 22nd, in the Plenary Hall of the Provincial Palace. This year's honorary title was awarded to ophthalmologist Medina Azahara Moya, originally from El Bonillo, Albacete.

This recognition, which has been awarded by the institution for more than twenty years, aims to acknowledge and thank the connection, career, and defense of the province by people who were not born here but reside here.

Juan de Dios Navarro praised Medina Azahara Moya's professional career during his speech, highlighting her academic achievements and extensive curriculum "filled with courses, conferences, symposia, training, communications, publications, research work, and teaching activity."

"Always for the benefit of her patients' ocular health, always striving to instill in her students a passion for learning, self-improvement, and the ultimate goal of enhancing people's quality of life," emphasized the Deputy of Culture. On behalf of the President of the Provincial Council, Toni Pérez, and the entire provincial corporation, he congratulated her "for this well-deserved title that places you among a long list of men and women who already hold it."

"To all of them," said Juan de Dios Navarro, "we thank you for your contribution to enhancing our land by carrying its name and essence beyond our borders."

Medina Azahara Moya Moya, originally from El Bonillo, began her early schooling in her hometown before moving to Albacete to continue her studies. She later moved to Madrid to study Medicine and Surgery at Complutense University. After completing her degree, she secured a position as a Resident Medical Intern in Ophthalmology at Alicante General Hospital. She then pursued doctoral courses in Experimental Medicine at Miguel Hernández University in Elche.

Through a competitive examination process, she secured a permanent position at Alicante General Hospital, where she focused primarily on retinal diseases and cataract surgery.

The Deputy of Culture pointed out that this event is a "tribute to those who were not born here but show strong values of respect for our land, efforts to improve it, integration into the community, and the need to put down roots in a place that eventually becomes home."

In this regard, he emphasized that Alicante province "is a welcoming land, hospitable and open-minded. For this reason, we treasure a mix of cultures, folklore, and traditions that add to ours and enrich us." "Our greatest vocation has always been to focus not on what sets us apart but on the feeling of unity and belonging to a single identity," Navarro concluded.

The event was attended by Alicante City Council's Deputy Mayor Manuel Villar; Consell delegate in Alicante Agustina Esteve; President of the Federation of Regional Houses Miguel Beano; Bellesa del Foc d'Alacant Alba Muñoz; as well as members of the provincial corporation; representatives from Regional Houses; previous Honorary Citizens of Alicante; and other authorities.

The event was enlivened by the Drum Group from Hellineros Association. It began in the gardens of the Provincial Palace with a reception for Regional Houses. After the welcome ceremony, there was an investiture ceremony for the 'Honorary Citizen of Alicante,' followed by a folkloric parade from Explanada to City Hall.

The Alicante City Council honored her with an official reception in recognition of her designation as Honorary Citizen of Alicante 2024 by the Provincial Council.

The ceremony took place in the Blue Hall of City Hall shortly after the honorary title was awarded by the provincial institution. It was attended by Deputy Mayor Manuel Villar; Councilors for Culture and Festivities Nayma Beldjilali and Cristina García.