Metro 3rd Youth Heritage Champions Recognized The Office of Third District Representative Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, in partnership with the Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. (FHFI), hosted the recognition program today, July 28, 2024 in Talisay City, a culminating activity for the 2023-2024 Youth Heritage Forum in the province’s Third District. Gawad Kabataan Para sa Pamana (Youth Heritage Award) highlights the celebration of the Filipino Heritage Festival’s 20th Anniversary and National Heritage Month.
Assisted by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the program is designed to recognize and celebrate the efforts of youth actively engaged in heritage conservation, promotion, and advocacy.
The E.B. Magalona Heritage Youth Forum – Teatro Laragway won first place with their 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 arrist Wilfredo Offermaria, Jr.
Victorias City took second place with their project entitled Talamwaan: Mga Nanari-sari nga Istorya sang Kadalag-an, a documentary series featuring various stories of Victorias City. Silay City 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 presented with plaques of appreciation by Cong. Kiko and Tokens from FHFI. The entries were evaluated based on Impact, Innovation, Sustainability, and Collaboration. In his closing remarks, Third District Congressman Kiko Benitez challenged the youth, emphasizing the importance of their role in preserving and continuing cultural heritage.
He encouraged them to enhance and enrich their heritage for future generations. In his closing remarks, Cong. Kiko passionately addressed the youth, emphasizing the critical importance of their role in preserving and continuing cultural heritage. He highlighted that 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 challenged the youth to innovate and find new ways to celebrate and sustain their heritage, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation within their communities. Cong. Kiko concluded by expressing his confidence in the youth’s ability to enhance and enrich their cultural heritage, inspiring them to continue their invaluable work with passion and dedication.
Joining the awarding ceremony were NCCAs Delan Robillos ; local historian Modesto Sano-oy; FHFI president Armita Bantug Rufino; Murcia Mayor Gerry Rojas and Mrs. Berni Rojas; Victorias City Councilors Dino Acuña and Derek Palanca; and Mrs. Charlotte Benitez.*
