MANILA, PHILIPPINES, DECEMBER 23, 2020 — As a beacon of strength, passion, and perseverance in government service and the film and audiovisual industry, the Aliw Awards Foundation, Inc. bestowed the Special Award for Woman Empowerment to Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.

She was recognized at the 33rd Annual Aliw Awards held on December 15 during the inaugural Aliw 2020 Congress. “She has been very active in supporting the movie actors and theater people being a theater person herself,” said Aliw Awards Founder and President Alice H. Reyes, adding that Diño champions women in the industry by “promoting their welfare and trying to do everything she can for them.”

The FDCP Chairperson expressed gratitude for such recognition. “I am humbled to be included among the amazing women leaders of today who are breaking barriers in different fields and standing up for causes to better our society and our country,” commented Diño.

“To be a leader in public service is always a challenge, but I am inspired to work even harder and up my game with everyone’s support,” the recipient of the Special Award for Woman Empowerment continued. 

Diño, also an award-winning film actress, vowed to continue to inspire and empower more women and men alike to aim for excellence while upholding and promoting women's rights and gender sensitivity.

Epitome of women power

Aside from being an awardee, Diño was a guest speaker at the Aliw 2020 Congress. She talked about the plight of the live entertainment industry during the time of COVID-19 together with Department of Education Undersecretary Tonisito Umali and Philstage President and Trumpets Co-founder Audie Gemora.

Diño received a plaque in recognition of her valuable support and for sharing her expertise during the Aliw 2020 Congress. For 2020 Aliw Awards Executive Committee Chairperson Rebecca Chuaunsu, the FDCP Chairperson is a hands-on and brilliant woman who really speaks from her mind, heart, and soul.

“She always speaks for the women whether it’s transgender-sensitive or not. She is a force who is not afraid to speak out her mind and who is also not afraid to show her vulnerability,” added Chuaunsu. 

Diño is an “epitome and the best embodiment of women power because No. 1, matapang siya. She’s gutsy even if she goes head on with others,” Chuaunsu went on. “She is so humble enough to still accept people who criticize her. Yet, she stood her ground. That, for me, is the best example of women empowerment.”

Recognizing achievements and paying tribute

The 33rd Aliw Awards was held at the Fiesta Pavilion of The Manila Hotel. Founded in 1976, it recognizes the various achievements in the Philippine live entertainment industry. 

Julie Anne San Jose and Gerald Santos were hailed as Entertainers of the Year, SB19 won the People’s Choice Award, and Miss Pilita Corrales received the Alice H. Reyes Achievement Award.

The Hall of Fame Awardees were Best Actor Vince Tañada, Best Musical Director Louie Ignacio, and Best Musical “Binondo: A Tsinoy Musical” with original story by Chuaunsu and co-produced by Rebecca Chuaunsu Film Production.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to the Aliwan Fiesta, Ivy Violan, Kuh Ledesma, the late Bert Nievera, Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc. President Laurice Guillen, and National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman and Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) President Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso.

Other Special Awardees, meanwhile, include Quezon City 5th District Rep. Alfred Vargas, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Martin Diño, and Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta. The Aliw 2020 Congress also held a special tribute for medical frontliners.