 |
| The awardees of the Provincial Government of Batangas' first Gawad Kumintang Para Sa Sining (Image Source: Batangas Provincial Capitol Public Information Office/Junjun De Castro) |
The rich and vibrant art and culture of Batangas Province is alive and well because of the creative imagination, overflowing talent, and unforgivable contributions of Filipino Batangueño artists. This was the prevailing spirit in the first Gawad Kumintang Para Sa Sining Awards held last February 27, 2024 at the Provincial Auditorium, Capitol Compound, Batangas City. The Provincial Government of Batangas, through the Provincial Office of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (PTCAO) and the Batangas Cultural and Arts Council (BCAC), organized the program with the aim of recognizing unique and distinguished individuals promoting and patronizing the arts and culture scene in Batangas through their works, an essentially deserving appreciation in the province's hundred-year identity. Gawad Kumintang Para Sa Sining 2024 also served as part of the provincial government's support of the nation's observance of National Arts Month throughout the month of February, with the theme "Ani Ng Sining, Bayang Malikhain", in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 693 signed in 1991 by the late former Philippine President Corazon C. Aquino.
Provincial Administrator Wilfredo Racelis, representing Batangas Governor Hon. Hermilando I. Mandanas, PTCAO head Katrin Erika Buted, and BCAC Chairman Atty. Sylvia Marasigan led the awarding ceremony along with members of the councils gracing the event. This year's distinguished Batangueños are comprised of individuals and groups renowned across seven different fields and disciplines of the arts. These include the following:
• Architecture: Architect Joy Manalo–Merhan of San Pascual
• Dance: Dr. Lordinio Vergara of San Juan, Jose Alvin Remo of Batangas City, Likhang Sining Dance Company of Batangas City
• Literature: Norma Mye Atienza of Taal, Annaliza Santos of Sta. Teresita, Emmanuel Rigoberto Tolentino of Batangas City
• Media Art: Robert Marrel Dela Vega of Nasugbu
• Music: Dr. Maria Theresa Vizconde Roldan of Mataas Na Kahoy, Cresenciano Christopher Boy Ramos of Sto. Tomas City
• Theatre: Peregrine Santiago of Batangas City, Mike Wendel Sangalang of Lipa City, Natasha Cabrera Cruz of Nasugbu
• Visual Arts: Bernardo Maac of Balayan, Carlos Castro of San Juan, Josephine Adame of San Pascual, Abelardo Bill Perez Jr. of Batangas City, Florna Ada Panopio of San Pascual, Architect Dhennis Sigua of San Pascual
In addition, recognition was also given to outstanding local government units (LGUs) in the province, including Padre Garcia (Mr. Romy Diaz, Tourism Officer), San Juan (Ms. Elsie Sadsad, Tourism Officer) and Lipa City (Ms. Aylene Acorda, Tourism Officer), and the seven sectoral heads that make up the BCAC, all of whom serve as PTCAO's partners in the implementation of programs and projects that further contribute to the enrichment of the culture and arts of the province. The recognized sectoral heads are Architect Cherry Lubat-Mendoza (Architecture), Luisito Nario (Theater), Lino Acasio (Visual Arts), Dr. Edward Babasa (Music), Philip Baroja (Literature), Manrique Cabaya (Dance) and Chiqui Trivinio (Media Arts).
The program also featured the film screening of "Indio-Genius: 500 Taon ng Labanang Kultural" from internationally acclaimed cinema documentarian and Dangal ng Batangan Awardee Pablo Gabriel R. Malvar. This is about the advocacy of National Artist for Film Eric Oteyza, better known as Kidlat Tahimik. Adding flavor to the occasion were performances by well-known groups in the province such as Likhang Sining Dance Company, Batangas State University Dance Company, and Tanghalang Batangueño who performed Hibik and Himagsik by Viktoria Laktaw. In his message, Provincial Administrator Racelis conveyed the warm greetings of Governor Mandanas to all the Gawad Kumintang Para Sa Sining 2024 awardees and discussed the importance of the cultural and artistic heritage that the province has today. According to Racelis, culture and arts truly showcases and reflects a place so he is very grateful for the help of every Batangueño to deliver various measures to preserve and cultivate the culture and arts scene in the province. Racelis also presented efforts being made by the provincial government, led by PTCAO, to continue its promotion of the Verde Island Passage and Taal Volcano Protected Landscape to be included or included in the list of those recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in which, according to him, the said destination is now on the tentative list, as well as steps taken by the Capitol for the restoration of the Kapeng Barako industry and the promotion of its unique relationship with the province.
The program also paved the way for the PTCAO to formally open nominations for the Dangal ng Batangan Awards 2024, recognizing talented Batangueños who bring honor to the province through their unique contribution to the 'promotion and preservation' of culture and arts in the province. Nominations can be submitted until September this year with the winners to be announced during the celebration of the province's 443rd founding anniversary on December 8, 2024. Also gracing the Gawad Kumintang Para Sa Sining 2024 was Lipa City Mayor Hon. Eric B. Africa, as well as students from various schools in the province, Capitol employees, and several tourism and culture and arts officers of local governments in Batangas.
(With words by Mark Jonathan M. Macaraig, Batangas Provincial Capitol Public Information Office)
