GMA Network writer and children's literature author to receive Gawad Balagtas award

GMA Network writer Augie Rivera is set to receive the 2020 Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas award for his work on children's literature.

Rivera served as a writer for children's programs "Batibot" and "Art Angel." He is also the head writer for "Ang Pinaka" and other GMA Public Affairs shows.

He is the author of several children's stories such as "Alamat ng Ampalaya," "Batang Palayok," "Ang Batang Historyador," "Ang Lihim ni Lea," and "Isang Harding Papel."

Rivera will be recognized in a Facebook live ceremony on August 29 at 6 pm.

Here is the list of other Gawad Balagtas awardees:

• Fray Paolo Diosdado Casurao (Play in Waray)
• Crisanta Nelmida Flores (Literary Criticism in Filipino)
• Eric Gamalinda (Poetry and Fiction in English)
• Marra PL Lanot (Poetry and Essay in English)
• Priscelina Legasto (Literary Criticism in English)
• Glenn Sevilla Mas (Play in English)
• Jose Javier Reyes (Screenplay)
• Aida Santos (Poetry in Filipino)
• Hope Sabanpan Yu (Fiction, Essay, and Translation in Cebuano)

Gawad Balagtas is one of the three awards given by the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL), along with Gawad Paz Marquez Benitez and Gawad Pedro Bucaneg. —MGP, GMA News