Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
October 24, 2018

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte urged the Presidential Medal of Merit, 2018 Philippine Heritage Awards, Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA), and National Artists Awards honorees to pass down their knowledge and skills to the younger generation during the conferment ceremony at the Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace.

“It is only by educating and training the youth that the legacy and work of our artists can live on,” he said.

During the event, President Duterte, together with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, conferred the Presidential Medal of Merit to Filipina painter Ms. Araceli Limcaco Dans.

Joined by Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Chairperson Margarita Moran-Floirendo, the Chief Executive also recognized the National Artists namely, Francisco Mañosa (Architecture and Allied Arts), Eric de Guia, also known as ‘Kidlat Tahimik’ (Film and Broadcast Arts), Ramon Muzones and Resil Mojares (Literature), Raymundo ‘Ryan’ Cayabyab (Music), Amelia Lapeña Bonifacio (Theater), and Lauro ‘Larry’ Alcala (Visual Arts).

Likewise, the President, together with National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chair Virgilio Almario, administered the awarding of the 2018 Philippine Heritage Awards to the Rizal Park Hotel, the local government of San Nicolas in Ilocos Norte, the Angeles City government in Pampanga, and the local government of Magalang in Pampanga.

Meanwhile, Ambalang Ausalin from Lamitan City in Basilan, Estelita Bantilan from Malapatan in Sarangani, and Yabing Masalon Dulo from Polomolok in South Cotabato bagged the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA).

“Our cultural heritage is vital to the formation to identify Filipinos. Congruent to our vision and fostering a proud and flourishing nation, the government has taken steps to show our deep appreciation for the inherent talents and skills of our national folk artists, the conservation of our heritage sites, and the relentless pursuit for excellence of our Filipino artists,” President Duterte underscored.

He added that it is important for the Filipino people to preserve and promote their homegrown talent in today’s fast-paced and highly technological world.

“We must recognize and fulfill our duty to stay true to who we are, remember where we came from, and honor the timelessness of our culture and tradition,” the President said.

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