In celebration of National Heritage Month 2026, Pampanga State Agricultural University features cultural advocate, choreographer, and educator Mr. Peter A. De Vera for his lifelong commitment to preserving and promoting Kapampangan heritage through the arts.
De Vera is the founder of Bale-Balayan and artistic director of the Sinukwan Kapampangan Center for the Arts (SiKap), an organization dedicated to nurturing Filipino culture while empowering youth through free dance training, artistic immersion, and cultural programs. Through SiKap, numerous young artists have been given opportunities for growth, including scholarships and grants supported by both public and private institutions.
He has also served as deputized Vice Head of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts – National Committee on Dance (NCCA-NCD), where he helped develop programs that advance local artistry through dance. As a member of the World Dance Alliance, he has represented Kapampangan culture in international conferences and festivals across Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, Singapore, South Korea, the United States, and other countries. He has likewise contributed as a dance director and mentor in several educational institutions in Pampanga, including Angeles University Foundation, Holy Angel University, St. Scholastica’s Academy, and the University of the Assumption.
Through decades of cultural work, De Vera continues to champion the preservation of Kapampangan traditions for future generations, blending community engagement with performing arts excellence.
His contributions have earned multiple distinctions, including the PAMANA Award for Culture and the Arts, the Talasinupl ning Singsing “Keepers of Heritage” Award from the Angeles City Government, the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Award for Arts and Culture from the Provincial Government of Pampanga, and the LEAF Award for Best Dance Production for Panata at Panalangin.
In 2022, he received the first-ever Hiyas Award from the Cultural Center of the Philippines, recognizing his lasting impact as an artist, cultural worker, and heritage advocate.
