A duman-inspired sculpture was formally presented to the Philippine Embassy in Vietnam on February 23, 2026, as part of the Municipality of Santa Rita, Pampanga’s cultural diplomacy and promotional initiatives.

The glass-and-steel artwork, crafted by homegrown artist Ron Salazar, symbolizes Santa Rita’s renowned traditional delicacy, duman. The customized sculpture was delivered during a courtesy visit led by Mayor Reynan Calo through Municipal Administrator Earl Tongol.

Vice Consul Danica Denise M. Manicad received the Municipality’s token, along with local delicacies including turrones de casoy and a duman sampler.

Tongol said the initiative serves as a bridge connecting Santa Rita to Vietnam, emphasizing Mayor Calo’s vision of positioning the municipality as an agritourism lifestyle hub. He noted that Vietnam is seen as a benchmark for Santa Rita’s agritourism development goals.

For her part, Vice Consul Manicad expressed the Embassy’s openness to support potential partnerships in both cultural and economic exchanges. On behalf of Ambassador Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III, she thanked the local government unit for creating opportunities to strengthen ties between Philippine localities and Vietnam. She also shared that sister-municipality agreements may be explored in the future.

The initiative aligns with Mayor Calo’s strategic objective of enhancing Santa Rita’s tourism viability through the promotion of local products. The presentation of the art piece likewise highlighted the creative excellence of local artists in celebration of National Arts Month in the Philippines.