I had the honor of officially accepting the Roger Dillemans Fund’s Excellence Award for PhD in the Arts (Excellentiebijdrage voor Doctorandi in de Kunsten) 2026. This distinction is the only award granted to a doctoral researcher in the arts this year, and I am deeply grateful to have been selected. Alongside this recognition, five fellow scholars—conducting master’s research in Gender Studies, Philosophy, Notary Law, Theology, and International Relations—also received support from the Roger Dillemans Fund.

Earlier this academic year, the Fund awarded a project grant that has played a crucial role in advancing my ongoing doctoral artistic works: Pakig-abi-abi sa mga Langgam (PsmL) / Being with the Birds and Paningkamot Pagpadayon ang Paglupad (PPaP) / An Attempt to not Lose Flight (Segments 1 & 2).

I extend my sincere thanks to the panelists for believing in my project. This marks one of the first official funding recognitions I’ve received since beginning my doctoral candidacy. I feel elated, grateful, and—honestly—proud.

Photo by: Bart Daneels

*Read more about the Awarding Ceremony's Atmosphere Report.

*Read more about the Roger Dillemans Fund through its 2026 newsletter.