The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Kaisa Sa Sining (KSS) Mindanao Network names the 13 recipients of the 2nd Gador Award, a recognition for outstanding artists, cultural workers and organizations in Mindanao = Dr. Helen Tejero (music/Iligan), Dr. Christine Godinez-Ortega (literature-cultural work/Iligan), Br. Karl Gaspar (theater-cultural work/Davao), Waway Saway (music-indigenous art/Bukidnon), Popong Landero (music/Davao), Frank Englis (music/Iligan), Nilda Mangilay (indigenous art/Zamboanga del Sur), Kublai Millan (visual arts/Davao), Kabpapagariya Ensemble (theater-cultural work/Gen. Santos), Kathara Dance Theater Collective (dance-theater/Davao), Kaliwat Theater Collective (theater-cultural work/Davao), Tambuli Cultural Dance Troupe (dance-indigenous art/ Tawi Tawi), and Dumendingan Arts Guild (cultural administration-indigenous art/Pagadian City).
In 2020, the CCP KSS Mindanao conferred the 1st Gador Award to eight exceptional individuals and organizations who have contributed immensely to the flourishing of arts and culture in the region = Nestor Horfilla (theater/Davao), Agnes Locsin (dance/Davao), Maria Todi (indigenous art/Lake Sebu), Sunnie Noel (theater and cultural administration/Dipolog), Steven Fernandez (theater/Iligan), Joey Ayala (music/Davao), Sining Kambayoka Ensemble (theater/Marawi), and Integrated Performing Arts Guild (dance-theater/Iligan).
The Kaisa sa Sining Regional Arts Centers is a partnership program of the CCP through its Cultural Exchange Department (CED) that was launched in 2014 and is aimed at strengthening further the CCP’s linkages and cooperation with regional educational institutions, non-government organizations and local government units in order to broaden public participation in the arts, promote and showcase artistic excellence and facilitate a vibrant collaboration between and among communities. In the past seven years, the cooperation and exchanges between and among CCP and the KSS network have become more dynamic. To date, the KSS network has already grown to a total of 59 organizations in 54 areas/communities in the regions: 23 in Luzon, 19 in Visayas and 17 in Mindanao.
The Gador Award aims to give recognition to deserving individuals and/or organizations in Mindanao who have exemplified commendable work and services in cultural and artistic endeavors, and have been in the forefront of the research, development, preservation, education and promotion of arts and culture in Mindanao for at least ten (10) years or more. The general criteria indicate that an awardee must have made exceptional accomplishments in creative work, leadership, resource management, education, artist support, audience development, community service, solidarity and partnership.
When asked “why is it important to recognize the achievements of the artists, cultural workers and organizations in Mindanao?” the following people stated their thoughts:
“Let those who shine light and shape the field of arts and culture in Mindanao be honored as they create a legacy and inspire more artists and cultural workers help carve a more humane and strong Philippine nation.”
Richard Dian Vilar
IP, Heritage & Arts Officer Designate
Butuan City
“Many artists, cultural workers and groups in our midst remained unrecognized. They work silently yet extensively without much fanfare. We can only surmise that they are there not for glory but simply for the love of their craft. The CCP KSS Mindanao gives tribute to these dynamic and passionate men and women in the field of arts and culture. We may not be able to give everyone a Gador but worry not, your time will come. Congratulations to all 2022 Gador awardees.”
Cecile Mambuay
Associate Professor (retired)
MSU-Marawi City
“Mindanao is a melting pot with a rich cultural diversity which has been safeguarded by its artists and culture bearers. Recognizing their efforts and achievements will ensure continuity of this diversity.”
Adel Suemith
Former Head, NCCA Program Monitoring and Evaluation Division/Davao City
“The Mindanao artists and cultural workers deserve to be appreciated and recognized for such Gador Awards pay off the dedication and hard work they devote to the community. More than a validation, these awards boost their lifeblood and lifetime commitment to rebuilding a better republic.”
Hobart P. Savior PhD
Professor, Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City
The 17 members of CCP KSS Mindanao network are: DMC College Foundation-Dipolog / La Salle Ozamiz / Dumendingan Arts Guild-Pagadian / MSU-IIT Iligan/ MSU-Marawi / Central Mindanao University-Musuan-Bukidnon/ Ateneo de Davao University/ Musikahan sa Tagum Foundation / Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges Marbel and General Santos / City of Tacurong / Municipality of Glan / City of Koronadal / MSU Tawi Tawi College of Technology and Oceanology / City of Cotabato / St. Francis Xavier College-San Francisco, Agusan del Sur / MSU Maguindanao.
The Gador Awarding Ceremony is slated for November 5, 2022 in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.