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EL PAÍS editor-in-chief Antonio Caño is also honored by the regional authority

22-02-2017

The Andalusian regional government paid tribute, on Tuesday, to the poet Luis García Montero and the actress María Galiana with the honor Hijos Predilectos (Favorite Son or Daughter) ahead of the celebration, on February 28, of Andalusia Day. The regional authority also gave a medal to, among others, the journalist and editor-in-chief of EL PAÍS, Antonio Caño; the singer songwriter Arcángel; the regional coordinator for organ transplants; and the engineers Ramón González and Francisco Herrera.

The Andalusian authority explained that all those honored are a  "clear example of the best of Andalusia, a land of excellence in education, public health, research, engineering, history, business, literature, the performing arts and music”. The region’s Vice-President, Manuel Jiménez Barrios, added that the winners are "men and women who represent the Andalusia of today, who reflect in their daily work the rich variety of a land that looks to the future with confidence and determination". Jiménez Barrios stressed that this year’s awards had a "special meaning" with the current Statute of Autonomy celebrating 10 years. "I’m always talking about Andalusia wherever I go, everyone knows that I'm Andalusian," Galiana told Efe.

In addition to the tribute of Favorite Son and Daughter, the Andalusian government also announced on Tuesday the recipients of the Andalusian medal, among them, the editor-in-chief of EL PAÍS. "The most difficult thing is to be a prophet in one’s own land and that is why, when your native land pays tribute to you with such an important and prestigious honor, it is a great source of pride and happiness," said Caño, whose family hail from Jaen, after being told that he was being honored. "I’m a son of emigration so the memories that I have of my native land are fundamentally of those summers when I used to go back with my family. My happiest memories are intertwined with my Andalusian memories", said Caño, who highlighted the "fantastic” image of the region abroad. "I have always been very proud of where I come from," he said, adding that the region "will play a very important role" in the future of Spain.

Other recipients of the medal included Ramón González, robotics engineer, the singer India Martínez, the singer songwriter Arcángel, the guitarist Paco Cepero, the rhythmic gymnast Lourdes Mohedano, the writer Antonina Rodrigo, the scientist specialized in artificial intelligence Francisco Herrera, the businessman Manuel Molina and composer Elena Mendoza López. Three institutions have also been honored this year: the regional coordinator for organ transplants, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary; the Association of Victims of Thalidomide in Andalusia,for its efforts to "counter the lack of understanding" suffered by those affected by this disease and their families; and the Vicente Espinel Higher Education Institute in Malaga, for its "level of excellence" since 1846: former students include Blas Infante, Victoria Kent and Pablo Ruiz Picasso.

The official awards ceremony will be held, as is traditional every year, next Tuesday February 28 at the Teatro de la Maestranza and will be presided over by the President of the Regional Government, Susana Díaz.

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