LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) – – In its continuing efforts to boost the promotion and preservation of culture and arts, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) allotted funding for seven projects to the Ibaloi and Kankana-ey cluster amounting to P1.435 million for implementation this year.
Heather Gate, Coordinator for the Ibaloy and Kankana-ey Cluster, said the approved projects are the Benguet Music Festival of the Benguet Provincial Government – P200,000.00; Local History Writing Workshop of the Kamora National High School in Kabayan – P185,000.00; Sustaining Public Awareness of Ibaloy History and Heritage through Akhad Eskwela Katutubo of the Onjon Ni Ivadoy, Inc. – P 375,000.00; Multiculturalism and Ethnic Identity Experiencing Authenticity in the City – University of Baguio Alumni Foundation, Inc. – P 375,000.00; Training of Indigenous Peoples Local Researchers in the Cordilleras on Documentation of Traditional Culture and Arts of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance – P 100,000.00; Cultural and Educational Music Video Album and Translation of the Ibaloy ” Ikul” CD Album in Benguet Kalanguya and Kankana-ey Languages of Gleemore C. Makie – P 100,000.00, and Documentation of Traditional Culture and Arts in Kabayan: Values, Customs and Traditions, Poetry and Songs of Kabayan local government – P 100,000.00.
Funds for said projects were directly given to the proponents, said Gate.
Last year, eight of the nine NCCA-funded projects approved under the School of Living Tradition were implemented amounting to a total of P2.135 million. These were the Training on Ballay Performing Arts by Kamora National High School, Training on Banayakeo Traditional Bamboo Crafting by Poblacion local government of Atok, Training and Workshop for Skilled Gong ‘Ganza’ Making Cum Production by Bedbed Senior Citizens of Mankayan, Training on Ibaloi Performing Arts in Topdac, Atok, Sagawsaw Ekip Cultural Festival in Bokod, Bobok-Bisal Cultural Festival in Bokod, Tapey Festival of Poblacion, Bokod, and Enhancement of Kapangan Cultural Center (Museum).
The installation of Local Cultural Icon Doligen Legendary Rock proposed by the Poblacion local government of Bakun is due for implementation.
Culture is part of the priority strategy of the Philippine Development Plan which aims to strengthen culture-sensitive governance and development and to advance the value of creative excellence.**By Susan C. Aro
