Pampanga-based performing arts group Sinukwan Kapampangan (SiKap) has been recognized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) with the Meritorious Performance Award during a fitting ceremony held last June 27 at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.
The award of distinction was bestowed to SiKap along with a longlist of dance companies across the Philippines in recognition to their active involvement in the continued dance creation and performance, which serves as “an inspiration and making a contribution in the building of an innovative, resilient, and dynamic dance community.”
The awards night also aimed “to give recognition to the invaluable support of the different dance groups in mounting the 82 dance concerts and other activities of the NCCA-NCD from 2020 to 2022, especially during the pandemic.”
Multi-awarded cultural worker and SiKap artistic director Peter De Vera received the recognition on behalf of the entire group. De Vera, who is known for his creative works and humanitarian service through the arts, said that the award is an affirmation that the dance community is alive and resilient.
“Maraming mga dance companies sa Pilipinas ang napilitang magsara dahil sa hagupit ng nakaraang pandemya. Maging ang Sinukwan ay hindi naka-ilag sa hagupit nito ngunit kami ay nagpapasalamat sa mga pribadong organisasyon at mga pampublikong ahensya gaya ng NCCA na laging nakahandang umagapay,” said De Vera.
De Vera, who has served the national government as the vice head of the NCCA National Committee on Dance, reiterated the group’s staunch support to NCCA in all its programs and activities that aim to promote home-grown creativity and artistry.
“Patuloy pong magiging katuwang ng NCCA ang Sinukwan Kapampangan sa mga darating na panahon. Inaalay rin po namin ang parangal na ito sa aming mga miyembro at sa mga kabataang patuloy na nangangarap at naniniwala sa mapagbagong biyaya ng sining,” he added.
Present during the awarding ceremony are the key officials of the NCCA-NCD led by its indefatigable Chairperson Shirley Halili-Cruz,
Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Angeles City led by its presiding officer Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting is also set to accord a resolution to the group on July 11, 202 for this exceptional feat. The resolution is authored by Angeles City Councilors Jay Sangil and Niknok Bañola.
