Officers of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), National Book Development Board (NBDB), Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) and barangay leaders offer flowers at the Francisco Balagtas Plaza in Pandacan, Manila, which has since become a well-known location to celebrate the poet's contributions to the country's literary heritage. (From left) Lovern Grace Lugdis of Barangay 863, Kerstin Resurrection of Barangay 848, Generoso Lising of Barangay 859, Alberto Sotto Sr. of Barangay 861 Pandacan, The Manila Times Chairman and CEO/NBDB Chairman Dante Francis 'Klink' Ang 2nd, KWF Director General Marites Barrios-Taran, KWF Commissioner Benjamin Mendillo Jr., NCCA Executive Director Oscar Casaysay, and Samahang Sining at Kalinangan ng Pandacan President Emanuel Deleña. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO