During the opening festivities hosted by Davao City Arts and Culture Office Head Oscar Casaysay held at the Rizal Park in the Poblacion District, performances from young Davaoenos proved to guests that the Arts is very much alive and will continue to thrive in this generation and to the next.
In her prepared message, Vice-President Sara Duterte challenged the young artists to use their skills to uphold the truth and showcase bravery.
"I have witnessed how the rich culture and talent of Davaoenos serve as a cornerstone of our unity," she said. "Every movement, song, and masterpiece you create is a contribution to the strengthening of our national identity. I express my gratitude to the NCCA, the DepEd, and the city government of Davao for your steadfast support of arts and culture."
Giving their best performances during the concert dedicated for the locals were groups from Mabini National Highschool Special Program fo the Arts, Magallanes Elementary School, Sta. Ana National Highschool Special Program for the Arts, Davao City National High School, the Magallanes Elementary School Rondalla, and the Kaliwat Performing Artist Collective.
"It is our honor to join in the celebration of the National Arts Month in Davao," said Alsons Dev Vice President and General Manager Jolla A. Soriaga. "As a real estate developer, Alsons believes that a community should be vibrant not only economically but also culturally. This belief dates back to our first development Aldevinco Shopping Center, a home for Mindanaoan crafts, indigenous textiles, and the artisans who keep these traditions alive. A city that nurtures its artists nurtures its soul. Together with the Alcantara Foundation, we proudly stand with the NCCA, DepEd, and the city government of Davao in affirming that Davao's creative community deserves a platform and that its stories deserve to be told."
Lordinio Vergara, Commissioner of the Subcommission on the Arts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts gave thanks to the city government of Davao City led by Mayor Sebastian Duterte for giving space for the students to display their talents and skills.
"Ang Sining ay hindi palamuti," Vergara said. "Ito ay maituturing natin na kaluluwa ng ating kultura. Ito ay daluyan ng katotohanan. Gagawin natin ang lahat na ang Sining ay hindi pwedeng tanggalin sa curriculum."
Mayor Duterte, in a delivered statement, also commended the dedication of the patrons of the arts in Davao City for advancing the meaningful initiative which reflects their shared commitment to nurturing the arts, fostering cultural understanding and appreciation and making lasting contributions to Davaoeno heritage.
"It is our hope that this gathering of artist leaders, creatives, choreographers, filmmakers, performers, visual artists, cultural workers, and our learners from DepEd will serve as a vibrant space for collaboration and dialogue. Empowering each of you to continue taking an active role in raising cultural awareness and championing culture and the arts heritage in Davao City."
Other activities throughout the week included the Kulukabildo: Davao Choreographers Forum, which saw local choreographers discussing the bases and context of the artistry and aesthetics of mounting cultural performances. It was held at the main building of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) at Camp Captain Domingo E. Leonor, San Pedro Street with Mindanao theater guru and Artistic Director of Kaliwat Theater Collective Nestor Horfilla leading the forum along with National Committee on Visual Arts Head Al-Nezzar Ali and member of the National Committee on Dance Benhur Abulencia.
Mugna: A Visual Arts Exhibit was also opened at the Poblacion Market Central where paintings by students under the Davao Special Program for the Arts were unveiled to the public.
0 Comments