BONTOC, Mt. Province – How relevant is culture and the arts today?
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) sponsored a regional conference on the implementation of the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 aimed at promoting Filipino Culture and Values last May 4, 2018 at the City Light Hotel, Baguio City.
Regional Director Milagrose Rimando of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) welcomed the participants while National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Executive Director Rico Pableo, Jr. gave a message.
Both speakers underscored the need to enhance the culture and the arts in the region especially that the region is composed of mostly indigenous peoples.
“We have to make the best in our time, of malasakit and malikhain, the two pillars wherein the cultural program are anchored on. Our plans should not be on board on paper only but in our hearts and minds,” Pableo said.
Ms. Caroline Mizal, head of the NCCA Planning and Policy Office, presented the participants the Philippine Development Plan for Culture and the Arts for 2017-2022 while Mark Gregor De La Cruz highlighted the CAR Regional Development Plan on Culture. Ms. Gladys Argonza presented the Cultural Mapping and Philippine Registry of Cultural Property (PRECUP).
Each province and related agency reported on each existing programs, projects, and activities related to culture.
This writer presented, in power point, the activities being undertaken in the province such as, among others, the Lang-ay Festival and the municipal festivals, assistance to the indigenous peoples’ education centers, and the restoration of the demolished part of the Provincial Capitol.
Among the regional development plans for CAR, the following pose challenges to the planners and implementers: promote cultural awareness for the region among the people, indigenous knowledge systems and practices, support local artists, and build appreciation for indigenous arts and crafts.
It was also cited that cultural mapping will survey the cultural properties of the local government units and the private sector, and the programs and activities related to culture and the arts will be highlighted.
Among those in attendance were representatives from the LGUs, academe, municipal planning offices, NEDA, and the NCCA.
“In a society closely knitted in culture and unity, there is a need to enhance culture and the arts,” according to Pableo.
By Roger Sacyaten
