Pinoy group honored in Spain for promoting PHL culture

Group photo with the SIKAP officers with Getxo Mayor Imanol Landa, City Councilor Elena Coria and Immigration Officer Ekain Larrinaga during the awards night. Contributed photo

A Filipino organization in Spain has been awarded by the mayor of Getxo for its contribution to the town, as well as for promoting Filipino culture and helping other Filipinos.

The group, SIKAP-Asociacion Filipina en el Pais Vasco (Philippine Association in the Basque Country), was among the awardees in the 2018 Aixe Getxo! Culture Awards given by the  City Council of Getxo last May 24.

The group — formed in 2009 by Filipino immigrants in Getxo as well as nationals interested in knowing and spreading Philippine culture — won under the category Patrimonio Cultural, Tangible y Intangible (Cultural Heritage, Tangible and Intangible).

Through the years, the group has successfully spearheaded the annual celebration of the Philippine Independence day, held basketball tournaments, assisted Filipinos in the processing of their residence and working permits, and supported newly arrived Filipinos for their integration into the community.

SIKAP has also carried out actions and programs to raise money for Filipinos in need back home like the victims of super typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

Aixe Getxo! Culture Awards aim to recognize people and initiatives working in the culture in its broadest concept: from Performing Arts to Education in Values; from Classical Music to Architecture or from Literature to Science and Innovation. —KBK, GMA News