Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. extends its warmest congratulations to Mr. Carlo Ebeo, who has been selected as one of the 3rd Gador Awardees by the Cultural Center of the Philippines – Kaisa sa Sining (CCP KSS) Mindanao Network under the category of Cultural Manager. This recognition is part of the prestigious Gador Award, which honors individuals and organizations in Mindanao who have dedicated at least ten years of outstanding service to cultural work, heritage preservation, education, research, policy development, and community empowerment.

The Gador Award, now on its third edition, upholds the CCP’s commitment to acknowledging cultural leaders who have made exceptional contributions to the research, development, preservation, and promotion of the diverse artistic and cultural traditions of Mindanao. This year’s awarding ceremony will be held on December 14, 2025, in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, in partnership with the City Government of Koronadal and the Provincial Government of South Cotabato.

Ebeo’s career spans over two decades, during which he has consistently bridged grassroots communities and global institutions to advance Filipino culture. His work reflects a rare combination of scholarship, vision, and hands-on engagement, grounded in both local heritage and international collaboration. Since 2023, he has been the driving force behind the initiative to inscribe the five landmark peace agreements between the Bangsamoro and the Philippine government into UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, a historic effort to preserve and honor Mindanao’s complex history of peacebuilding. In addition, he convened the first International Conference on Languages and Community Heritage in Palawan, creating vital groundwork toward the eventual inscription of the Tabon Cave as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Beyond these initiatives, Ebeo serves as the ministerial head of the Oceanic Southeast Asian Navigators network in the Philippines, a consortium of 25 institutions across all continents dedicated to illuminating the Austronesian movement. Through this platform, he has helped connect communities, researchers, and cultural institutions worldwide, highlighting the shared histories and rich cultural heritage of Southeast Asia.

Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. has had the privilege of working with with Mr. Ebeo through the Philippine Visual Arts Summit 2024, where his guidance and expertise have supported the school’s mission to integrate cultural relevance into education. His work aligns closely with HCCCI’s commitment to promoting culturally responsive education, community engagement, and the empowerment of indigenous and marginalized groups. Through this collaboration, HCCCI has seen firsthand how effective cultural leadership can enhance both learning and community development, reinforcing the school’s vision of education that is deeply rooted in local identity yet globally aware.

Ebeo’s achievements also reflect the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). His dedication to preserving heritage, fostering inclusive cultural spaces, and building collaborative networks exemplifies how education, culture, and community empowerment can work hand in hand to create meaningful impact.

As a cultural leader based in South Cotabato, a province renowned for its rich and diverse artistic traditions, Mr. Ebeo’s recognition is also a celebration of the region’s vibrant cultural landscape. The 3rd Gador Awards Ceremony will be held on December 14, 2025, in Koronadal City, co-presented by CCP KSS Mindanao, the City of Koronadal, and the Province of South Cotabato.

Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. humbly celebrates this honor, recognizing Mr. Ebeo’s tireless dedication to culture, heritage, and community. His work continues to inspire educators, artists, and cultural advocates across Mindanao and beyond, reminding all of us that preserving and promoting cultural identity is essential to building stronger, more inclusive, and globally connected communities.