LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) — A showcase of Beguet culture kicked off the second leg of the 1st Pilipinas Art Camp at the Benguet Provincial Capitol on May 17.
Traditional rituals were performed by elders followed by the performance of Benguet dances such as the “tayao” and the “bendiyan” by the Chumno Cultural Group at the capitol grounds.
The provincial government of Benguet led by Governor Melchor Diclas with Board Member Juan Nazarro Jr. welcomed the hundreds of guests and participants from all over the country and its partner local government unit, Cavite province headed by Board Member Irene Bencito.
Pioneered by the Pugad ni Art Studio, Inc. based in Benguet headed by Art Lozano and the Alitaptap Artist Community from Cavite headed by Henry Bokeng Ancanan, with a collective support from the respective local government units of Benguet and Cavite, the Pilipinas Art Camp gathered hundreds of artists, creative enthusiasts, cultural workers, students and other stakeholders into a boot camp where they were immersed with the local culture and practices as well as to engage them into creative and intellectual discussions that would further flourish the creative industry at a holistic approach.
The Pilipinas Art Camp with the theme “Building a Better Nation with a Soul Through Creativity” is in celebration of the Philippine Heritage Month 2023 this May. Its first leg was done in Cavite.
Diclas commended the organizers of the Pilipinas Art Camp which he said is a significant event in the promotion of the artistry and the rich cultural heritage of the province of Benguet and sharing it with the participants from the different parts of the country and their partner province of Cavite.
“Bukod pa sa pag-popromote o pagpipreserba ng ating kultura, mahalaga din ang papel ng mga gawaing pangsining sa pagpapalawak ng ating cultural network. Dito natututo ang ating mga kabataan sa kulturang meron ang ibang tao. Nagiging tulay din ito sa pagkakaroon natin ng respeto sa cultural diversity na meron tayo. At marami pang iba gaya ng pagpapalakas ng turismo at pag-akit ng mga bisita, gayun din ang pag-generate ng employment. Sa mga ganitong aktibidad rin natin binibigyan ang ating mga kabataan ng oportunidad upang palakasin at paunlarin ang kanilang creativity, innovation, maging ang kanilang critical thinking skills,” Diclas said.
In her message, Bencito expressed gratitude to the leaders of Benguet headed by Diclas and the different government agencies for the support they have poured in the conduct of the 1st Pilipinas Art Camp. She commended the Alitaptap Artists Community and the Pugad ni Art Studio for pioneering the event which gathered artists from Cavite and Benguet and others from all over the country to showcase the rich arts and culture of both provinces.
“It is an honor for me to be here to represent the province of Cavite, kasama po ang mga artists bilang pagpapatunay sa pagsuporta namin sa adbokasiya ng kultura at sining. Sa mga darating na panahon mas higit at nakikita kong titibay pa ang pagtutulak natin sa kultura at sining. Marami po kaming matututunan sa inyo sa Benguet, at ang Cavite marami din pong ma isheshare sa inyo,” Bencito said.
Also present during the launching ceremony are personnel from the national line agencies, the academe, the private organizations, and personalities involved in culture and arts.
Among them are Philippine Information Agency -CAR Regional Director Helen Tibaldo, Department of Trade and Industry-CAR Assistant Regional Director and Benguet Provincial Director Atty. Samuel Gallardo and Dept. of Tourism -CAR Regional Director Jovi Ganongan represented by Bayani Malicdem who delivered messages of support to the art camp and the promotion of art and culture.
Instead of the traditional ribbon cutting ceremony, the event officially opened with the “Sabayang Pahid/ Likha” or the painting of canvass by the officials, artists and participants led by the guests followed by the community dance in front of the capitol.
The event also showcased a three-day trade fair at the capitol lobby featuring different local products from the different Micro, small and medium enterprises in Benguet and the Cordillera region.
Other activities held at the capitol grounds and other venues in Benguet and Baguio City include Traditional Tattoo Exhibition, Creative Talks / Workshops, Cultural Performance and Rituals, a Creative Crawl, lectures, concerts, gallery exhibits and demonstrations, and others.**JDP/RMC- PIA-CAR
