The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) encouraged young Filipinos to nurture and develop their talents in the arts in hopes of one day following in the footsteps of the country’s National Artists.
During the staging of BalagtaSayAwit or Balagtasan, Dance and Song as part of the National Heritage Month celebration at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Cultural Center in Malolos City, NCCA Deputy Executive Director Bernan Joseph Corpuz said the next recipients of the Order of National Artist may come from the present generation of youth.
Corpuz emphasized the importance of dedicating oneself to one’s chosen field and continuously improving artistic skills to help elevate Philippine arts and culture.
The Order of National Artist is the country’s highest recognition given to Filipinos who have made significant contributions to various fields of the arts under Proclamation No. 1001 issued in 1972.
Through BalagtaSayAwit, organized by the Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office, traditional forms of balagtasan, dance and music were highlighted to strengthen cultural appreciation among the youth.
An accompanying exhibit featuring the works and contributions of National Artists from Bulacan was also opened during the event.
Among those featured was Guillermo Tolentino, the renowned sculptor behind the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City and the Oblation statue at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He also designed the seal of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ramon Magsaysay Award medal.
Also highlighted was Jose Joya of San Miguel, Bulacan, known for his masterpiece “Ang Pagdiriwang,” considered one of the largest abstract paintings in the country and declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2019.
The exhibit likewise featured Levi Celerio of Baliwag, celebrated for his songwriting and unique ability to create music using a leaf. Among his well-known songs are “Ikaw,” “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal,” “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan,” and “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit.”
Also recognized were Francisco Santiago, known as the “Father of Kundiman,” and Antonio Buenaventura, composer of several musical pieces used by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The exhibit further honored the contributions of Francisca Reyes Aquino in dance, Gerardo de Leon in film, Honorata ‘Atang’ dela Rama in theater and music, and Virgilio Almario and Amado V. Hernandez in literature.
Organizers said the exhibit aims to inspire the youth to further develop their talents and deepen their appreciation for Filipino arts and culture.
