Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza honored five Cotabateño traditional artists during the inaugural Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Lalawigan on Aug. 31 at The Basket in the Provincial Capitol Compound in Amas, Kidapawan City.
The awardees, who come from Makilala, Matalam, Kabacan, President Roxas and Carmen, were recognized as part of the province’s Kalivungan Festival 2026 celebration.
The Politiko’s administration launched the recognition to honor local artists for their talent, craftsmanship and contributions to preserving and enriching traditional arts, culture and ancestral knowledge within their communities.
The awards highlight the provincial government’s efforts to safeguard Cotabato’s cultural heritage by recognizing individuals who continue to practice and pass down traditions inherited from earlier generations.
