(Here is the text of the award given to Melchor F. Cichon,
distinguished Aklanon poet from Lezo.)

Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL) hereby awards the 2001 Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas to MELCHOR FRANCISCO CICHON, Poet,

Sa kanyang natatangi at tagapangunang papel sa pagpapaunlad ng pagtulang Aklanon bilang mahalaga at permanenteng ambag sa panitikan ng Filipinas. Sa pambihirang paggamit ng inang-wika, buong husay niyang naibabahagi ang mga pighati at mga pagdiriwang ng kaniyang mga kababayan, gayong pilit nilalagpasan ang kapaligirang lokal, upang kaipala'y tuluyang maging makatang pambansa.

For his outstanding achievement and pioneering work in poetry in Aklanon that has marked his considerably significant and permanent contribution to Philippine literature. Using the peculiarities of his mother tongue to its full potential, he has, in articulate poetic terms, expressed the lamentations and celebrations of his fellows, transcending the local milieu to become one of the country's esteemed poets.

Signed:

Alfred A. Yuson
Head Selection Committee

Mike L.Bigornia
UMPIL chairman

Given on 25 August 2001, at the Goethe Cultural Center Auditorium, Aurora Blvd., Quezon City.