Bontoc, Mountain Province – Better late than never!
The provincial government, through the Provincial Culture and the Arts office, conducted the painting of Cultural Sites/rituals/Events/Activities in the province as part of the celebration of the National Arts’ month supposedly on the month of February but was done only last March 13, 2026.
It was a gloomy morning, but there were at least 19 student participants who heeded the invitation.
They were from three different schools: Mountain Province General Comprehensive High School (MPGCHS), Saint Vincent School, Inc. (SVSI), and Tocucan National High School (ToNHS).
They assembled at the multi-Purpose building frontage for a prayer and orientation by Mr. Roger U. Sacyaten, Organizer and Provincial Culture and the Arts Officer, followed by a welcome address and inspirational message from Mr. Arthur Odsey, the Provincial Youth Development Officer.
During the orientation, Mr. Sacyaten mentioned that The National Arts’ Month was born thru Presidential Decree No. 683 s. 1991, declaring February of every year as National Arts’ Month.
He reiterated the significance of Arts in the life of Filipinos. He said that the theme for this year’s National Arts Month: “Ani ng Sining, Katotohanan at Giting” (Harvest of the Arts: Truth and Valor/Courage) focuses on how creative expressions demonstrate shared realities, truth and courage; collaboration, community building and cultural empowerment.
He also explained that the schedule was not followed due to technical issues in the procurement of supplies. Therefore, the activity was rescheduled to March 13, 2026 instead of February 27, 2026.
After the orientation, the participants were ushered to get their painting materials. They started painting at exactly 9AM. Since the weather was improving, the participants scattered themselves across the plaza, though some preferred to use the front of the Multi-Purpose building.
The participants were informed that the judging would be the following day, as the judges preferred to give them time to paint without pressure.
The activity lasted until 4 in the afternoon and after the submission of entries, the participants and the organizers cleaned the area. Picture taking took place, after which the participants went back to their respective schools.
We then brought the entries to the provincial tourism office for scrutiny and viewing.
Then came the judgment day.
The judges observed that, although all 19 entries displayed beautiful scenes of Mountain Province’s culture, rituals, and sites, they selected only three top winners, with the remainder receiving consolation prizes; to wit:
Fao-anan, Charyll Chloe Faith T. – MPGCHS, First Place
Pakiki, Zimple P. – SVSI, Second Place
Campus, Kayferdumz G. – MPGCHS, Third Place
The awarding of prizes was held on March 16, 2026. However, since the students could not attend, we advised them to claim their prizes at the Provincial Treasury Office through Ms. Julieta Bangloy. **Roger Sacyaten with updates from Joyce Dulay
