The provincial government signed a Memorandum of Agreement with National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) for a year-long venture to bolster the “Tatak Tarlac” identity.

This is in preparation for the 150th Founding Anniversary of the province in May 2023.

Particularly, NCCA and CCP will develop the Tarlac arts and culture, and hone the skills of potential artists and home-grown talents.

“Throughout the coming months, we will have a continued partnership with NCCA and CCP. We will have events, workshops and performances with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Ballet Philippines, Tanghalang Pilipino, Madrigal Singers and Bayanihan Folk Dance Troupe,” Governor Susan Yap said.

She reiterated that NCCA and CCP will share their resources, know-how and expertise for free to expand the cultural aspect of Tarlac.

Additionally, a cultural mapping involving all local government units, is underway to understand and determine the culture of every city and municipality.

“For many years, we have been trying to come up with something which is ‘Tatak Tarlac’ because we are often referred to as a melting pot. With all due respect, most of the time we are Kapampangans or Ilocanos but never Tarlaqueños. Where are we? [Therefore,] we will try to come up with something unique to our province,” Yap explained.

She stated that they want to embrace the diversity of the province as a cradle of races, and promote the province’s cultural aspects.

For his part, NCCA Chairperson and CCP President Arsenio Lizaso offered various educational activities to spur culture and arts appreciation by bringing them closer to Tarlaqueños.

“Regions should have their own museums or cultural centers promoting their roots. Let’s make Tarlac a well-known center for culture and arts in Central Luzon,” he said.

He stressed that their commitment aims to inspire, recognize and train local artists and students in the art of singing, dancing, theater and playing musical instruments.

Lizaso noted that a proposal was already presented to Yap for the establishment of a school for arts and culture in the province in the near future. (PIA 3)