AKLAN — Three outstanding individuals and an organization from the Province of Aklan were recognized for their invaluable contributions to culture and the arts during the 1st Gawad Balangaw: Regional Awards for Culture and the Arts, held at the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev) Regional Office in Iloilo City.
The awarding ceremony was organized by the Regional Culture, Heritage, and the Arts Committee (RCHAC) of the Regional Development Council, in collaboration with DEPDev Regional Office VI, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Department of Tourism (DOT).
Honored for Lifetime Excellence in Culture and the Arts was Anna India C. Legaspi, whose decades-long dedication has significantly contributed to the preservation and promotion of Aklan’s cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, Sheree R. Reynaldo received the Gawad Balangaw Award for Culture and the Arts 2025 in recognition of her exemplary achievements and continued advocacy for cultural development in the province.
The Aklan Historical and Cultural Society, Inc. was also conferred the Gawad Balangaw Award for Culture and the Arts (Organization) for its sustained efforts in safeguarding Aklan’s history, traditions, and artistic expressions.
Organizers said the recognition underscores the vital role of individuals and organizations in preserving cultural identity, not only at the provincial level but across Western Visayas. They expressed hope that the awardees’ achievements would inspire greater commitment to protecting and promoting the region’s rich cultural heritage./PN
