LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Provincial Government of Benguet headed by Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas recognized 15 Benguet youths and a group of young artists for this year’s Inspiring Young Artists, Movers, and Achievers Annual Awards (IYAMAN) during the BIYAG Festival opening program at the Provincial Capitol recently.
Governor Diclas said the IYAMAN Award is an expression of gratitude of the Provincial Government on the exceptional achievements and contributions to the fields of arts, and unwavering dedication of the youth to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Benguet.
The IYAMAN Award for Multimedia and Graphic Arts was given to Jardson S. Onio from Mankayan and Bakun, and Paul Joseph A. Nuval of Tuba, Atok, Tublay, and La Trinidad, while the IYAMAN Award for Literature was given to Heather Ann F. Pulido and Syvel S. Abance.
Jonathan S. Supsupin of Kabayan and La Trinidad and Chribelle S. Pingawan of La Trinidad received the IYAMAN Award for Culinary Arts and Dance, respectively. Further, the IYAMAN Award for Cultural Advocacy was presented to John Arvin I. Molintas of Bokod, Atok, Tuba, and La Trinidad.
In the field of pageantry, receiving the IYAMAN Award were Maida Faith D. Basilio of Tuba and Sablan; Kevin Claud DC. Beray of Bokod and La Trinidad; and Kenneth Jhayve G. Bautista of Itogon.
On the other hand, five promising artist awardees were recognized on their extraordinary achievement in their respective fields, namely, Ghea Lennette E. Calawa of Kibungan and Mankayan, Santos L. Oyan of La Trindiad, Richard A. Giye of La Trinidad, Ronald S. Fernandez of Itogon and La Trinidad; and the Chomno Cultural Group of La Trinidad.
A special citation award was also given to Junie Rey Bag-ayan, the composer of “Umos-usdong si Kabunyan.”
In attendance during the awarding ceremony who also presented the awards to the youth were Provincial and Municipal Officials, and heads of the different Provincial department offices.
The BIYAG Festival is being celebrated through various youth activities until the end of the week, revolving around the theme “Celebrating the Essence of the Benguet Youth, Culture and the Arts, and Nature – Our Life, Our Future.” By SAP Jr.