CAPIZ — The Capiz Provincial Government, through the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), has been conferred the prestigious Gawad Balangaw Awards for Culture and the Arts, recognizing the province’s sustained excellence in cultural preservation and arts development.
The award was presented on December 18, 2025, during a ceremony held in Iloilo City, organized by the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev) Region 6 in partnership with the Regional Development Council (RDC) 6 and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
The Gawad Balangaw Awards honor outstanding contributions to culture and the arts by local government units and organizations across Western Visayas, aimed at strengthening cultural identity and promoting artistic innovation in the region.
In a local radio interview, PTCAO head Alphonsus D. Tesoro said the recognition affirms Capiz’s long-standing commitment to cultural promotion and heritage conservation.
“Winning this award affirms our relentless efforts over the past two decades in fostering and advancing the arts and culture of Capiz,” Tesoro said. “It recognizes the hard work of our local artists, cultural workers, and communities in preserving our rich heritage.”
Capiz has earned distinction as a leading local government unit in heritage reservation in Western Visayas, reflecting its strong cultural governance framework and effective arts management programs.
The province, represented by Tesoro, was specifically honored under the Balangaw Culture and Arts Category for exemplary practices in cultural management, theater, and culture in governance — a recognition built on more than 27 years of sustained cultural initiatives.
Considered among the highest cultural honors in Western Visayas, the Gawad Balangaw not only acknowledges past achievements but also serves as a catalyst for continued growth and innovation in the cultural sector.
The awarding ceremony was attended by local government officials, cultural workers, and advocates, underscoring a shared commitment to further promoting Capiz’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Atty. Luvim D. Amores, concurrent head of the Provincial Human Resource Management Office and Provincial Information Officer, accepted the award on behalf of Governor Castro. He was joined by Tesoro and Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Anthony Colmo, both of whom have played key roles in advancing the province’s cultural programs.
Provincial officials said the recognition will further inspire ongoing and future cultural and arts projects aimed at enriching community life and safeguarding Capiz’s historical legacy for generations to come./PN
