(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.
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