29 July 2009, Paris -- The Philippine Permanent Delegation to UNESCO reported that the Philippine Madrigal Singers were awarded as UNESCO Artists for Peace by UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura in a ceremony held at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 27 July.

The award, which was given “in recognition of their efforts to promote dialogue and understanding among peoples in Southeast Asia, their contribution to extend UNESCO’s message of peace and tolerance, and their dedication to the ideals and aims of the Organization” was received by the Madrigals’ choirmaster, Mark Anthony Carpio, in the presence of DFA Undersecretary Esteban B. Conejos, Jr., representing Secretary Alberto G. Romulo.

Speaking at the ceremony, Undersecretary Conejos said that the Madrigals “are a distinct source of pride for Filipinos”. He added that the Philippines believes that “cultural diversity is a pillar of sustainable development” and therefore “fully supports the UNESCO Artists for Peace program as an important means to share and learn from the cultures of other countries, in the spirit of knowledge, dialogue and understanding.”

In his speech, Director-General Koichiro Matsuura noted that the Madrigals are “one of the world’s most awarded and acclaimed choirs”. He also expressed his hope that the Madrigals, as UNESCO Artists for Peace, will join UNESCO in its preparation and celebrations for the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures in 2010.

This is the first time that a country has received the honor twice. The Earthsavers DREAMS Ensemble, a theatre group founded by National Artist Cecile Guidote Alvarez and whose members come from disadvantaged backgrounds and indigenous communities, was awarded the same honor in 2003.

The UNESCO Artists for Peace award is given to internationally-renowned personalities who use their influence, charisma and prestige to help promote UNESCO’s message and programmes. UNESCO works with these distinguished personalities to heighten public awareness regarding key development issues and to inform the public UNESCO’s action is in these fields. The list includes British singer Shirley Bassey, Russian conductor Valery Guerguiev and Chinese actress Gong Li.

The ceremony was followed by a concert given by the Philippine Madrigal Singers, which was attended by over a thousand guests from the Filipino community, the diplomatic corps and the French public. A reception was hosted later by the Philippine Permanent Delegation to UNESCO in celebration of the special occasion.