IRIGA CITY--The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) bestowed the choral group of the University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) here with the prestigious “Ani ng Sining” award during the closing rites of the 2009 Philippine International Arts Festival last Feb. 28 at the historic Manila Hotel.
The UNEP choral group was cited by NCCA in recognition of its outstanding performance as a cultural group. The choral group brought international honor to the country last year when it won the coveted top prize in the Folklore category of the 2008 HongKong International Youth and Children’s Choir Festival held at the former British’s crown colony’s Cultural Center in July 2008.
NCCA’s “Ani ng Sining” awards are given as tribute to outstanding Filipino cultural groups and artists who excelled in international singing contests. The awards are meant to distinguish people or groups who have braved through the challenge of going beyond their limitation for the preservation of Philippine cultural heritage.
Cecille Guidote-Alvarez, presidential adviser on Culture and NCCA executive director, the awardees of “Ani ng Sining” exemplify “NCCA’s vision, the decentralization and democratization of the right to culture while keeping standards of artistic excellence towards forging our national identity.”
The NCCA official said the award-winning performance of the honorees show the powerful dominance of Filipino talents in the international arena of music, leaving no doubt as to the worldclass capability of the country’s choral groups.
Delicia Alfelor-Tibi, UNEP vice president for Finance who is also the indefatigable manager of the choral group, said that the NCCA citation is not only a triumph for UNEP, but also the success and pride of every Bicolano. “This distinction invigorates and empowers our uniqueness as Bicolanos, showcasing our faith and perseverance to look beyond our limitations and conquer our weaknesses.”
The university’s “Ani ng Sining” distinction is another laurel on UNEP choir’s long list of achievements. “Being recognized as one of the worlds’ finest is already an honor by itself. This award will motivate us more and we will not stop from aspiring to bring more honors not only to UNEP but to the Bicolandia,” Tibi said.