Internationally-acclaimed Victoriahanon visual artist Larry Carumba is this year’s recipient of the coveted Sidlak Award of the Victorias City government recently.
Carumba, also a Malihaw awardee in 2015, is a multi-awarded artist known for his philanthropy and advocacy for Filipino arts and culture, and for supporting fellow artists and charitable causes.
Despite the lack of formal training, he excelled with his mastery of naturalism and diverged from prevailing surrealism trends, the city said.
He debuted in 2010 at the Real Colors International Exhibition and has then captivated global audiences, earning respect and recognition in the art world.
“Sidlak Award is equivalent to the lifetime achievement for exemplary Victoriahanons, who brought pride and honor to our dear City of Victorias,” Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez said as he lauded the inspiring work of the awardees and highlighted the highest recognition given by the city government, during the Sidlak Awards Night, held at the Victorias City Command and Evacuation Center multi-purpose building, in celebration of the 26th Kadalag-an Festival.
The search, spearheaded by the City Planning and Development Office, Business Permits and Licensing Office, and the Sangguniang Panlungsod Office, together with the Sidlak Malihaw Awards Committee, also recognized other outstanding Victoriahanons.
These include 2024 Malihaw awardees Venus Segura for business entrepreneurship, Dennis Valenciano (visual arts) and Maria Christine Muyco (music), P/Maj. Joy Ellaga (public service) and John Michael Almodiel (community development and humanitarian/social services), Ariel Joseph Alegarbes (sports and socio-cultural affairs), and Donnel Palmes Placer in the field of education, science, and technology.
Other Malihaw Awards nominees were Luisa Tutor, Michelle Navajas, Ricky Lapidante, Anthony Gerald Bones, Troy Castor, Jayrack De La Noche, John Steven Demaisip, Engr. Benson Lazo, and Jan Loyd Abellano.
The Employee of the Year Award was given to Nurse III Mary Ann Salar from the City Health Office.
Meanwhile, entrepreneurs and business taxpayers were also honored with special recognition.
Barangay officials and functionaries, who won in the “Pa Quiz Bee sang SP” were likewise recognized, while punong barangays who finished their terms received the Public Service awards. ||
