“Today we are celebrating the creative power of our nation. We are celebrating its remarkable representatives, the National Awards laureates”, stated Prime Minister Pavel Filip at a ceremony to hand out the 2016 National Awards.

The premier went on to declare that this contest is a token of public acknowledgment for the most significant scientific, technical and cultural achievements and the most appreciated accomplishments in promoting the spirit of innovation.

“This hall is full of people that did something for their country and for our future. This is the reason we are celebrating them. I am honored to offer my heartfelt congratulations to the winners of the 2016 National Awards, thanking them for their work dedicated to Moldova and its people”, stated Pavel Filip.

He further called for unity and solidarity with Moldova’s European project. “If we embarked on this journey, we must go all the way till the end”.

The National Awards are offered annually by the Government for remarkable achievement in various areas. This year the National Award winners are doctor Constantin Iatco, researcher Victor Tvircun, agricultural scientist Gheorghe Gaberi, technical scientist Constantin Sirghi and constructions innovator Anatolie Zolotcov, as well as folk singer Nicolae Glib, actor and theatrical director Petru Hadirca, producer Virgiliu Margineanu together with director Leontina Vatamanu, author Andrei Turcanu, and plastic artist Simion Zamsa. The nomination of poet Traianus has been suspended on suspicion of plagiarism until further clarifications.

The National Award comes with a money prize with 100,000 lei.