THE gentle strains of piano music and heartfelt tributes filled the halls of the Bohol Cultural Center as Boholanos gathered to celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of the late Madame Enriqueta Borja-Butalid, fondly known as Madame Equit, a distinguished pianist, music educator, and champion of culture and the arts.
On March 11, 2026, the Provincial Government of Bohol, under the leadership of Gov. Aris Aumentado, held a tribute honoring her enduring contributions as a pianist, music educator, and cultural leader.
The tribute was made possible through the Center for Culture and Arts Development (CCAD), led by OIC Emerson Pinos, in partnership with the Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage (BACH) Council, chaired by Arch. Liza Macalandag.
Delivering the message of Governor Aris Aumentado, Vice Governor Nick Besas highlighted Madame Equit’s profound impact on Bohol’s cultural landscape.
“Through her leadership, the arts flourished and found a stronger voice in our communities,” he said.
He added that her dedication strengthened institutions, encouraged creativity, and helped shape a vibrant cultural community that continues to thrive today.
The programs and traditions she championed remain living testaments to her vision.
The tribute unfolded through a series of eight thoughtfully curated acts that reflected the many chapters of Madame Equit’s life and legacy.
These segments traced her journey from The Woman Behind the Music to her Upbringing and Education and her rise as The Concert Pianist.
The program also highlighted her role as The Music Educator, her devotion as Servant of the Sacred, and her influence through Cultural Stewardship as First Lady and CCAD head.
The later segments, The Ways That Never Retire, Honors and Legacy, Family and Gratitude, and A Continuing Symphony, portrayed a life dedicated to nurturing talent, preserving heritage, and inspiring generations of Boholanos.
Pinos also delivered a tribute honoring Madame Equit’s enduring legacy in music and culture, which supported the Capitol’s Strategic Governance Roadmap on cultural heritage.
He reflected on how her passion and leadership helped cultivate appreciation for the arts in Bohol and thanked the partners, performers, and individuals who contributed to the success of the commemorative event.
During the program, the PGBh formally presented Resolution No. 2026-003-063 recognizing Madame Equit’s unwavering dedication to music, culture, and the arts.
The resolution honored her legacy of inspiration, mentorship, and creative excellence that shaped generations of artists, educators, and cultural advocates in the province, a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Representing the Borja-Butalid family, Tim Butalid conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to the provincial government and the cultural community for honoring their beloved matriarch.
He shared that the tribute reflected not only Madame Equit’s achievements but also the love and respect she cultivated among those whose lives she touched through music and mentorship.
As the program concluded, the music and stories shared throughout the evening served as a reminder that while Madame Equit may have taken her final bow, the symphony of her life continues to resonate through every note played, every artist inspired, and every cultural tradition she helped preserve for future generations. (PR)
