The Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) and the Puerto Rico Institute of Culture (ICP) jointly paid tribute to Puerto Rican artisans and their socio-economic, educational, and cultural contributions. Carlos J Ríos Pierluisi, Secretary of DDEC, congratulated all artisans, describing their work as a reflection of Puerto Rican ingenuity and tradition.
Marcos Quevedo Pérez, manager of the DDEC's Artisan Development Program, also congratulated the awarded artisans, highlighting the program's efforts to certify and support over 1,200 artisans and organize 27 artisanal events with 2,598 participants. The celebration recognized several artisans, including Aurea López Berríos as 'Artesano Consagrado', Fernando Quintero Santiago as 'Maestro Artesano', and Luis Serra Bracero as 'Artesano Típico'.
The ICP's Executive Director, Melissa Santana, acknowledged the artisans' contributions to preserving the country's artisanal legacy and traditions. The ICP also awarded the 'Excelencia Artesanal' prize to six artisans, including Lizzette Aponte Rosario and Gabriel López Ruiz.