Iloilo city: An association of weavers and a songwriter and composer from Antique are recipients of the 1st Gawad Balangaw (Rainbow Award) 2025, conferred by the Department of Economy, Planning and Development 6 (Western Visayas) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in a ceremony in Iloilo City on Thursday. Antique Board Member Dante Beriong, recognized for his outstanding contribution to the culture, heritage, and arts of Western Visayas, especially the Kinaray-a music, expressed his delight at being among the first to be acknowledged in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, Beriong expressed his joy in an interview, stating, "I am so elated that my compositions in the local dialect Kinaray-a have been recognized as my contribution to the culture, heritage, and the arts of Western Visayas." He hopes to inspire other songwriters to create music in their local dialects. Known for songs like "Mauli Gid Ako sa Antique" (I will go home to Antique), Beriong's work evokes a deep longing for the serene and fertile province.
Beriong has also contributed to cultural promotion through his authorship of an ordinance that establishes a month-long Karay-a Culture and Heritage celebration in February. This celebration aims to promote Antique's language, culture, and heritage through activities such as song and essay writing.
The Bagtason Loom Weavers Association, another awardee, was recognized for preserving and promoting the traditional craft of handloom weaving, which is a significant part of Antique's local identity and cultural heritage. The association has kept the 'patadyong' (handloom weaving) craft alive in Barangay Bagtason, Bugasong by training housewives in need of a livelihood. Bugasong has also become a training venue for loom weavers from other towns in the province.
The training initiative led to the establishment of a natural dye hub in San Remigio town by the Department of Science and Technology and the Philippine Textile Research Institute, ensuring loom weavers can access necessary facilities. The award was received by association chair Mario Manzano.
