The Arts, Culture, and Creative Industries Bloc (ACCIB) in the House of Representatives honored nine young emerging talents with the inaugural CREATE (Celebrating Rising Excellence in Artistic Talent and Expression) Awards 2024 during the culmination of the month-long National Arts Month celebration in the House on Feb. 26.
The awards highlight outstanding achievements by artists, 35 years old and below, across nine domains of the Philippine creative industries in lieu of Republic Act 11904 or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act—audiovisual media, digital interactive media, creative services, design, publishing and printed media, performing arts, visual arts, traditional cultural expressions, and cultural sites.
The awardees include Vahn Leinard Pascual (audiovisual), Maria Jihan Sangil (digital interactive media), Danielle Anne De Leon (creative services), Adam Pereyna (design), Emmanuel Jayson Bolata (publishing and printed media), Shaira Rica Avelino Opsimar (performing arts), Lemuel Blanco (visual arts), Don Patrick Baldosano (traditional cultural expressions) and Stephen John Pamorada (cultural sites).
Each awardee was presented with a uniquely crafted trophy made by sculptor Angelico “Jik” Villanueva, a copy of the House Resolution commending them for winning the first-ever CREATE Awards, and a cash prize. The trophy symbolizes the art community and government working together to preserve our culture and to continue to contribute to the country’s national treasure.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who led the conferring of awards, cited the artists as “the bearers of our cultural legacy and the architects of our collective future.”
Romualdez said their “creativity ignites innovation, drives social progress, and strengthens the fabric of our national identity.”
He expressed hopes that the CREATE Awards will “serve as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging young artists to continue their noble pursuit of creative excellence and societal transformation.”
Rep. Christopher V.P. de Venecia (4th District, Pangasinan), lead convenor of ACCIB, lauded and thanked Speaker Romualdez and Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez (Tingog Party list) “for being steadfast supporters and dependable advocates of the advancement of our nation’s creative talents.”
De Venecia, who is also chairperson of the House Special Committee on Creative Industries, said the CREATE Awards is a landmark initiative that not only recognizes artistic excellence but also highlights the pivotal role of young emerging artists in shaping the creative and cultural narrative of the nation.
According to the lawmaker, the awards signify a collective commitment to nurturing a dynamic artistic community in the Philippines and honoring artists for their positive impacts on communities and the country in general.
De Venecia also thanked his colleagues in ACCIB for their unwavering commitment to the development and promotion of Philippine creative industries.
The Arts, Culture, and Creative Industries Bloc (ACCIB) also
bestowed Speaker Romualdez with the CREATE Award, citing his
“wholehearted support for artists and endeavors to nurture creative
excellence.”
The ACCIB is an informal and non-partisan alliance of House members dedicated to championing legislation and policies concerning arts and culture and the creative industries.