Augusto Villalón receives award from the French Ministry of Culture

CEBU, Philippines - Augusto Villalón, prominent Cebuano architect, cultural heritage planner, and President of Genvi Development Corporation who is developing Monterrazas de Cebu, was awarded the prestigious Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the Ministry of Culture of France in recognition of his exemplary professional achievement in the international advancement of architecture and heritage conservation in the Philippines, France, and in many other countries around the globe. 

Ambassador Gilles Garachon honored Architect Villalón by conferring the Chevalier medal during private ceremonies held recently at the French Embassy in Manila. Established by President Charles de Gaulle and the French Ministry of Culture in 1957, the Order pays tribute to important individual contributions in the propagation of arts and literature, and in the promotion of French culture. The list of international conferees includes actor George Clooney, designer Yohji Yamamoto, dancer Rudolf Nureyev, and others.  (FREEMAN)