BACOLOD City – The E.B. Magalona Heritage Youth Forum – Teatro Laragway was the top winner of the 2024 Gawad Kabatan para sa Pamana (Youth Heritage Award) for its “Project Panubli.”
The project is a youth-led documentary series featuring E.B. Magalona’s stories and cultural heritage.
Victorias City, meanwhile, won second place for their project entitled “Talamwaan: Mga Nanari-sari nga Istorya sang Kadalag-an,” a documentary series featuring various stories of the city.
Silay City received a special award for their short documentary on Barangay Mambulac’s history.
The recognition program was held on Sunday, July 28, in Talisay City, during the culminating activity for the 2023-2024 Youth Heritage Forum in Negros Occidental’s 3rd District.
It was led by the office of 3rd District’s Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, in partnership with the Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. (FHFI).
E.B. Magalona received the “Mahiyain” trophy sculpture of multi-awarded artist Wilfredo Offermaria Jr., plaque, certificate, and token.
All three top winners also received cash prizes.
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 entries were evaluated based on impact, innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.
Rep. Benitez, in his speech, 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.
He also emphasized the critical importance of their role in preserving and continuing cultural heritage, adding 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.”/PN
