Ilonggo artists stand up vs poverty
Ilonggo artists and cultural advocates have taken to greater heights the power of arts and culture in fighting poverty..
Iloilo City and the rest of Visayas region is virtually overflowing with cultural events October 16-18, signifying the region’s union with the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) in answering the United Nation’s (UN) call to stand up against poverty and take action in support of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
MDGs are global shared targets on poverty, health, education and environment, among others, set by UN for developing countries to achieve by 2015.
Leading the Visayas campaign is Lihok Bisaya, an NCCA-KALAHI (Kapit-bisig Laban sa Kahirapan) culture care giving assisted program initiated by the Visayas NCCA inter-committee members.
The Visayas NCCA inter-committee is a multi-disciplinary and inter-agency strategy to develop community-based creative industries to combat poverty, promote equity, health and ecological sustainability through the power of arts and culture.
This harmonizes with the initiatives of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) International Theater Institute Philippine Center-Earthsavers Academy which is headed by NCCA executive director Cecile Guidote Alvarez.
A total of 15 sites across Visayas including 12 provinces, six cities and 16 municipalities are joining hands in projecting the region’s cultural diversity as a platform for social transformation.
All the sites and their presentations include the public recitation of the pledge created by the UN Campaign as a statement of commitment to end poverty in the world.
In Iloilo City, the Lihok Bisaya is supported by the City Government headed by Mayor Jerry Treñas and Vice Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog with the cultural extravaganza at SM City Events Centre Oct. 16.
The event showcases the performances of various cultural groups in the city including the University of San Agustin (USA) Choir and Troubadors; Central Philippine University (CPU) Engineering Chorale, Irong-Irong Dance Company; USA Kawilihan Dance Troupe; University of Iloilo (UI) Teatro Busilak; Sol Fernandez School of Dance; Faith Dance and Art Centre; Western Institute of Technology (WIT) Teatro Primiero; Claravall Gonzalez School of Classical Ballet, USA Little Theater; Entablado; Iloilo National High School (INHS) School for the Arts; and the Annie Divinagracia Sartorio School of Performing Arts. (PIO)