Inquirer columnist Ma. Ceres P. Doyo and comics artist Manix Abrera emerged victorious at the 35th National Book Awards, which feted the best books published in 2015.

Doyo won the award for Best Book in Journalism for “Macli-ing Dulag: Kalinga Chief, Defender of the Cordillera,” published by University of the Philippines Press.

Abrera received the award for Best Book of Graphic Literature in Filipino for “News Hardcore! Hukbong Sandatahan ng Kahaggardan!” published by Visprint Inc.

UP Press was named Publisher of the Year.

Handed out yearly by the Manila Critics Circle and the National Book Development Board (NBDB), the National Book Awards recognize the best of the previous year’s locally published books.

The winners of the 35th National Book Awards were announced on Tuesday at the NBDB offices in Pasig City by NBDB chair Flor Marie Sta. Romana Cruz and Manila Critics Circle acting chair Ruel S. De Vera.

The winners will receive cash prizes and trophies in ceremonies on Nov. 26 at National Museum Auditorium in Manila.

Founded in 1981, the Manila Critics Circle is a nonprofit, nonstock organization of professional literary critics and newspaper columnists who believe that Philippine books deserve much more attention than they usually get from business, the media and the general public.

Current members are Francis Alfar, National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario, National Artist for Literature Cirilo F. Bautista, Juaniyo Arcellana, Roger J. Bresnahan, Alma Anonas-Carpio, Isagani R. Cruz, Ruel S. De Vera, Shirley O. Lua, Danton Remoto and Joel Pablo Salud.

In 2008, the Manila Critics Circle entered into an agreement with the NBDB to institutionalize the National Book Awards to better honor Philippine publishers and authors.