THE PROVINCIAL government of Cagayan launched the third Cagayan Art and Creative Writing Awards 2021 to promote and nurture the talents of Cagayanos.

The event aims to highlight the rich culture, heritage and treasures of Cagayan through art creations and written literature.

Atty. Mabel Villarica-Mamba, the first lady of the province and the proponent of the award, said the event also aims to promote the pride of Cagayanos.

“Cagayano artists and writers are talented. Many of them have won awards outside of the province and the country. The CACWA intends to honor our very own. We want our fellow Cagayanos to be proud of who we are and what we are as a people,” she said.

She stressed that culture and the arts should not take a backseat during a pandemic.

“While we understand that the safety, protection and survival of everyone should be our primary concern, it cannot be denied that we also have more time for creativity while most of us stay at home. We hope that CACWA will inspire our artists and writers to express themselves better even during these times of uncertainty,” she said.

Mamba hoped that more writers will join the event.

“We are hoping to have more this year — from the stable of established writers and artists, as well as from the younger generation,” she said.

The Cagayan Art and Creative Writing Awards was launched in 2018 as one of the highlights of the Aggao Nac Cagayan celebration.