BANAUE, Ifugao– The province of Benguet has the highest number of approved National Commission on the Culture and Arts (NCCA) cultural projects in the country.
Governor Cresencio Pacalso bared this during the Regional Conference on Culture and Arts in the proposed Autonomous Region of the Cordilleras (ARC) at the Banaue Hotel attended by mayors, governors and other stakeholders.
Pacalso reported that for this year, there are nine cultural projects approved by the NCCA for the province of Benguet that include multiculturalism and ethnic identity; museum enhancement in Kapangan, trainings on Ibaloy performing arts and “Gangsa” making; installation of local cultural icon and festivals of Bokod town.
The governor said the provincial government has cultural programs under its regular budget and in collaboration with the NCCA for the promotion of tourist attractions and preservation of the rich culture of the people of Benguet.
“The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has also passed cultural ordinances for the teaching of indigenous dances instruments and the usage of the term “I-Benguet”, protection of mummies and identification and preservation of heritage sites in the province,” Pacalso added.
Among the best practices of Benguet are the cultural orientation on cultural awareness, cultural and tradition preservation. **PIA Ifugao
