The Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) on Tuesday awarded P100,000 each to two winners of the Gawad Julian Cruz Balmaceda in the thesis and dissertation categories.
The Gawad Julian Cruz Balmaceda is the highest recognition given for outstanding theses and dissertations.
Kristine Mae M. Nares, a teacher from Albay, Bicol, won the award for her thesis titled “Pagmamapa ng Kalinangang Bayan ng Munisipalidad ng Guinobatan, Albay.” Her study focused on the collection, translation, and interpretation of the local culture of her province, which she uses to educate her students about their heritage.
Nares’ research took approximately four years to complete due to challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, like typhoons, that affected her hometown.
Mariyel Hiyas C. Liwanag received the award for her dissertation, “Isabuhay: Isang Larong Disenyo para sa Diskurso ng mga Wikang Katutubo.” Her dissertation presented a comprehensive overview of the game she designed, using the concept of value engineering to analyze the linguistic situation in the country. Her work draws on sources that examine language from the pre-colonial period to the present day.
The winners were presented with a plaque, a medal, and a cheque for P100,000 during the awarding ceremony at the Romualdez Hall in the Watson Building.
Notable speakers at the event included chairperson Dr. Arthur P. Casanova, commissioner Benjamin M. Mendillo Jr., director-general Atty. Marites Barrios-Taran, and commissioner Carmelita Abdurahman.
The Gawad Julian Cruz Balmaceda aims to promote the development, use, and modernization of the Filipino language.
The submission period for the 2026 Gawad Julian Cruz Balmaceda is now open and will close on October 3, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. The KWF warmly invites all educators, scholars, and individuals who advocate for the Filipino language, culture, and literature to participate in this prestigious award.