The field of culture and the arts in the Philippines has seen many prominent figures who have greatly contributed to its growth and development throughout the decades. With their work in various fields such as performing arts, literature, visual arts, cultural research, and many others, these individuals brought not only recognition for themselves as paragons of skill and perseverance in their craft but also pride for every Filipino whose lives have been impacted by their work.
Understanding the need to recognize such individuals and their continuous effort in the growth of their respective fields, the Cultural Center of the Philippines has given the prestigious Gawad CCP Para sa Sining award to several notable figures for their crafts.
In his welcoming remarks, CCP Chairman Jaime C. Laya pointed out how the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining awards served as a reminder that art is not only for the talented and the elite but for Filipinos of all walks of life.
“As we applaud the lifetime achievement of our honorees, we also present to the talented young Filipinos models of what they can become and indeed, models that they can better; a challenge to leaders and government and industry to value return on investment on the arts and creative industries; a reminder to all of us that art is for everyone, that appreciation and patronage are needed for artists and the arts to flourish,” said Laya.
“It is a long journey and the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining is a small, early step,” he added.
The winners for this year’s awards include Marilyn Gamboa for her work in cultural research, the Loboc Children’s Choir for enriching the culture of their region, Jose F. Lacaba for his work in literature, Julie Lluch for her work in the visual arts, Gino Gonzales for his designs and other related arts, Gener Caringal for his work in dance, Lea Salonga for her work in the theatrical arts, Joey Ayala for his work in music, and Pete Lacaba Jr. for his work in the field of literature.
Meanwhile, Oscar Yatco, Edgardo J. Angara, Zanaida Tantoco, and Mario O’Hara were also given recognition for their works posthumously, with their awards received by Renato Lucas, Anna Rosalyn Manalang Angara, Anton Huang, and Denise and Heber O’Hara, respectively.
As the winners took to the stage to receive their awards, many took the time to gaze at their accolades and appreciate how their certificates and medals serve as a great reminder of how their years of tremendous effort in perfecting their crafts did not go unnoticed and that their work holds great importance to society.
Some also took the recognition as an opportunity to remind people that the arts have always served as an important medium in continuing discussions and raising awareness about notable social issues throughout history, one of them being Lacaba, who has been recognized for his literary works that spoke of societal issues, especially during the Martial Law era.
“I am calling to my fellow patrons of the arts to continue to speak, to care, and to fight. Let us remember the lessons of history and fight for our futures. Never again. Never forget,” he said in his speech.
Meanwhile, some recognized that the accolade they received served as a reminder that they should continue to hone their craft not only for themselves and their respective mediums but also for their fellow countrymen who share their pride.
“This is wonderful to receive but it certainly does not mean that the career ends. It only means that we must continue as artists in truth and in discipline to continue to create, to continue to entertain, and hopefully, in the service of our country, make everybody happy,” said Salonga in her speech.
Apart from the awards ceremony, the event also featured a commemorative exhibition revolving around the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining 2024 honorees and their astounding life’s work and the stories behind their craft.
The Gawad CCP Para sa Sining 2024 awards was held last Sept. 20 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.
