The office of Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District), in partnership with the Filipino Heritage Festival Inc. (FHFI), held a recognition program during the culminating activity for the 2023-2024 Youth Heritage Forum in Talisay City on Sunday, July 28.
The Gawad Kabataan Para sa Pamana (Youth Heritage Awards) in the 3rd District of Negros Occidental highlighted the celebration of the Filipino Heritage Festival’s 20th Anniversary and National Heritage Month.
The E.B. Magalona Heritage Youth Forum – Teatro Laragway won first place for its “Project Panubli”, a youth-led documentary series featuring E.B. Magalona’s stories and cultural heritage. The top winner received the “Mahiyain” trophy sculpture of multi-awarded artist Wilfredo Offermaria Jr.
The Victorias City youth took second place for their project “Talamwaan: Mga Nanari-sari nga Istorya sang Kadalag-an”, a documentary series featuring various stories of Victorias City.
The Silay City youth received a special award for their short documentary on Barangay Mambulac’s history.
The top 3 awardees also received cash prizes. All participating youth groups of the Third District were also presented with plaques of appreciation by Benitez and tokens from FHFI.
The entries were evaluated based on impact, innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.
Assisted by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Gawad Kabataan Para sa Pamana is designed to recognize and celebrate the efforts of youth actively engaged in heritage conservation, promotion, and advocacy.
Benitez, in his speech, emphasized the importance of the youth in preserving and continuing cultural heritage. He encouraged the youth to enhance and enrich their heritage for future generations.
The youth are not just the inheritors of the past but the architects of the future, responsible for keeping their cultural narratives alive and vibrant, he said.
Benitez challenged the youth to innovate and find new ways to celebrate and sustain their heritage, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation within their communities.
He is confident in the youth’s ability to enhance and enrich their cultural heritage, Benitez said, as the urged them to continue their invaluable work with passion and dedication.
Joining the awarding ceremony were NCCAs Delan Robillos, historian Modesto Sano-oy, FHFI president Armita Bantug Rufino, Murcia Mayor Gerry Rojas and Berni Rojas, Victorias City councilors Dino Acuña and Derek Palanca, and Charlotte Benitez.*