Baguio honors two literary figures with Balagtas award
Daily TribuneBaguio City honors Dr. Haze Wendell P. Capili and poet-journalist Franklin E. Cimatu with the 2026 Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas, recognizing their award-winning essays and poetry in English and Filipino and reinforcing the city’s status as a vibrant hub for Philippine arts and literature.
BAGUIO CITY — Two Baguio residents were commended by the city government during Monday’s flag-raising ceremony at the Baguio City Hall grounds on 25 May 2026.
Through Resolutions Nos. 343 and 344, Series of 2026, the Baguio City Council honored Dr. Haze Wendell P. Capili and poet-journalist Franklin E. Cimatu for receiving the 2026 Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas from the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas.
The Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas is a national recognition given to Filipino writers for their significant contributions to the development of Philippine literature and mastery of the literary craft.
Capili was recognized for his essays and poetry written in English. Cimatu, editor-in-chief of Mountain Beacon and a Carlos Palanca awardee, received the award for his poetry written in both Filipino and English.
The city council said the achievements of Capili and Cimatu bring pride to the local literary community and reinforce Baguio City’s reputation as a center for arts and culture.