Caraganons support Kalinaw Kultura
campaign for peace, development
By Venus L. Garcia
BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 11 - After the grand launch of Kalinaw Kultura or
Peace Culture in Iligan city, a campaign that aims to promote peace and to
raise public awareness about the rich, diverse and dynamic culture and heritage
in Mindanao, Caraganons were stirred with excitement with the second launching
here in the premier and capital city of Butuan, Caraga region.
The festive activity was led by Philippine
Information Agency (PIA), National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA),
and supported by partner government agencies and local government units (LGUs).
On behalf of Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente
Lagnada, city councilor Cherry Mae Busa welcomed all the guests and
participants and applauded the PIA, NCCA and partners for initiating the
Kalinaw Kultura activity to promote culture of ethnic/minority groups in
various regions of Mindanao.
“Each of us has a significant role in
promoting a culture of peace and unity to boost the city's economy and peace
and development endeavors,” said Busa.
In jump-starting the Kalinaw Kultura Launch
through celebration of culture and arts, the respective hosts and special
guests gathered together and entice the crowd in a symbolic banging of the
large gong.
All presentations showcasing the repertoir of
talents of the performers coming from different provinces in Caraga were
witnessed by hundreds of spectators.
The vibrant and intricate designs of costumes
worn by indigenous peoples; the tribal and folk dances that spell peace and
unity; and the instruments that produced a unique form of music captured the
rich and colorful culture here and Mindanao.
Meanwhile, Butuan City Tourism Officer
Evangeline PeΓ±a-Dominese emphasized that the city government strongly supports
the welfare of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and continuously reaching out to
them, not only to address their needs and other concerns, but also to
strengthen their culture in their respective IP communities.
In her message, Caraga National Commission on
Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Regional Director lawyer Leslie Mae Plaza also
encouraged all to immerse, mingle and reach out with the IPs, as they also
belong to the mainstream society.
The guests also joined in the ceremonial
wearing of peace band or authentic beaded bracelets made by Manobo weavers from
Agusan del Sur which implied a shared bond and belongingness to a community
among Mindanaoans.
Adora Bandola, a blind singer rendered a song
entitled “Tagumpay Nating Lahat”, while the guests had their arms crossed with
the person beside them while wearing the symbolic bracelet which signifies
oneness in achieving peace for Mindanao and the entire nation.
Philippine Information Agency
director-general Harold Clavite encouraged the participants to see the purity
and simplicity of each person.
“Go back, go home to where you came from - to
the community where you belong, and see it through your heart the true value of
your unique culture. Mindanao is not a land of confusion and conflict but a
land of peace,” he said.
Clavite also recognized the cooperation of
the partner stakeholders nationwide.
He added that Kalinaw Kultura will also be
launched in other key cities of Mindanao.
This event, according to him, is a
manifestation that Mindanao has a wonderful culture and peace-loving people.
With an aim to regain and infuse the ideals
to bring lasting peace and harmony despite cultural divide, Clavite, along with
NCCA representatives, local government officials, PIA-Mindanao regional heads,
and other stakeholders also inscribed their commitment to promote and
strengthen the culture and traditions of Mindanao through a peace covenant
signing.
“In the midst of confusion and turmoil, and
public perception that Mindanao is an unsafe place, the Kalinaw Kultura would
help lead the people in revisiting their roots and revive the purity of heart
to embrace peace, unity and solidarity. This is the perfect time for us to
build closer ties with Mindanaoans and to recognize and celebrate, not just the
strong community within the region, but our willingness to embrace
multiculturalism,” Clavite said.
Meanwhile, NCCA Information Officer Anne
Cabrera expressed her appreciation to PIA for taking the challenge of assisting
the Commission in promoting Filipino arts and culture as she encouraged the
citizens to understand more and take pride of their cultural heritage.
All throughout the event, the participants
were also amused with the free henna tattoo painting courtesy of the local
artists.
An audiovisual presentation showcasing the local
products of Caraga including the parade of spectacular clothing creations made
of indigenous and other locally derived materials was also played in between
performances.
Locally produced food and non-food items,
“sinamay”, stuff made of waterlily and abaca, and traditional costumes were
also displayed in the exhibit area.
The guests had also their tour to view the
featured indigenous crafts.
The Kalinaw Kultura is also set to be
launched in the cities of Koronadal, Zamboanga and Davao to promote a culture
of peace and spread peace thru culture. (PIA-Caraga)
PIA, NCCA share Kalinaw Kultura
project to Caraganons
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 11 – To provide Caraganons a better
understanding on the government’s project on strengthening culture and arts,
the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Philippine
Information Agency (PIA), launched recently the Kalinaw Kultura project at the
Robinsons Place here.
Undersecretary Harold Clavite, PIA
director-general, underscored that the launching of Kalinaw Kultura in Caraga
will showcase and strengthen Mindanao's culture especially that many are
keeping a misconception about the island.
"So we are here to give testament of its
beautiful cultural heritage. Our campaign will not just end here but in
wherever we are since the activities are done in five key cities in Mindanao.
This is just a beginning of our awareness advocacy not only for Mindanaoans but
for all our fellow Filipinos. We likewise encourage the young generation to get
involve and so today we will be highlight their great talents," Clavite
said.
Anne Cabrera, information officer from the
NCCA, reiterated that the Commission gives value to the culture of Filipino
people and continues to strengthen and mold it especially to the young ones
that these rich culture and traditions we have right now would remain until the
next generations to come.
Also, as revealed by PIA Caraga regional
director Abner Caga, the first lumad/indigenounous peoples (IP) communicators
network was already organized in the region.
"They played a crucial role in the
access of information down to the grassroots level," he said.
Benjie Felipe, director for Strategic
Communications of PIA, also bared that the Kalinaw Kultura has the goal to keep
a mindset among all cultural groups to take pride and embrace their own
traditions, heritage and customs in order for others to appreciate more their
cultural practices and give respect as well.
