NCCA chair encourages Caraganons to establish its own cultural identity

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 12 (PIA) – During his visit here recently, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) chairman Felipe M. De Leon encouraged Caraganons to promote products of the localities in the region.

“Let’s help local industry with experts of different fields who produce cultural products for tourists' souvenirs. Travelers will never forget your respective areas when they witness and experience your culture," he said.

De Leon added that "Filipinos are artistic in nature and we give value to our culture and traditions wherever we are in the world."

De Leon also suggested to make the airport as a museum of art gallery since travelers of all walks of life while waiting at the airport can get to see these things such as the regions’ artifacts, miniatures, cultural jewelries, and a lot more.

“We are also calling on cultural and art groups, academic institutions, local arts organizations, non-government organizations involved in culture and arts, and others to submit their project proposals for the NCCA Grants Program for 2014. Deadline is on Aug. 30, 2013,” said De Leon.

De Leon further bared that the NCCA is willing to provide assistance to those groups who will have cultural-related activities in the future.

It was also learned that those interested individuals or groups must submit their accomplished project proposals to Ms. Marichu Tellano, Chief Policy, Plan Formulation and Programming Division, 5th Floor, NCCA, 633 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, with Telephone Nos. (02) 527-2192, fax (02) 527-2198/ 522-2084 and emails- info@ncca.gov.ph & pmd@ncca.gov.ph.

The NCCA is the overall policymaking, coordinating, and grants giving agency for the preservation, development, and promotion of Philippine Arts and Culture; an executing agency for the policies it formulates; and an agency task to administer the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts.

The general functions of the NCCA include the following: promotion of cultural and artistic development; conservation and promotion of the nation's historical and cultural heritage; nationwide dissemination of artistic and cultural products; preservation and integration of traditional culture as part of the national cultural mainstream; and ensuring that standards of excellence are met in its programs and activities. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)