The Davao City Office for Culture and the Arts (DCOCA) kicked off the celebration of the National Arts Month in the city with performances from talented Special Program for the Arts (SPA) students from different schools on Friday.
Young creatives from the Davao City National High School, Sta. Ana National High School, Mabini National High School, Magallanes Elementary School, and F. Bangoy National High School showcased their artistry in folk dance, hip-hop, and music during a short program held at Rizal Park.
Also in attendance were representatives from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Davao City Councilors including City Councilor Petite Principe and Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre who also served as executive director of NCCA in 2019, and other officials from the City Government of Davao.
Oscar Casaysay, Head of the DCOCA, emphasized in an interview with the City Information Office the importance of preserving and promoting culture and the arts in the city, as well as support young artists and creatives.
He also highlighted the significance of the event as it showcases the artistry of young Dabawenyos through their crafts.
“Importante g’yud kayo ni ilabi na sa mga kabatan-onan kay diri makita nato ang atoang pagkamamugnaon ug atoang paghiusa pinaagi sa sining [ug] kini man ang expression diin mapakita natoa ang atoang identity … pinaagi sa pag-awit, pagsayaw ug sa mga tugtog sa rondalla (This is important, especially to our young artists as this [event] showcases our artistry and creativity as well as our unity through arts. This is also a form of expression of our identity through music, dance, and to the rhythm of the rondalla),” Casaysay said.
In addition to the performances of the SPA students, a choreographers’ forum will be held on the same day to further the knowledge of Dabawenyo choreographers in their craft as part of the preparation for the Kadayawan Festival.
The Kaliwat Performing Artists will also perform a stage play at the Rizal Park in the afternoon of the same day.
A visual arts exhibit titled Mugna will also be held at the Poblacion Market Central on February 21 to showcase the artworks of SPA students.
On February 23–24, the DCOCA will gather the tour guides in the city for the “Davao City, One Story” where they will be equipped with more knowledge on the city’s history.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in a message read by Councilor Principe, also reaffirmed the city’s commitment to promoting and championing culture and the arts.
“As we commemorate National Arts Month, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to promoting and championing the arts as a dynamic platform for creative expression while also deepening cultural appreciation and safeguarding our city’s rich heritage,” he said.
“We commend the dedication of our patrons of the arts in Davao City for advancing this meaningful initiative, which reflects our shared commitment to nurturing the arts, fostering cultural understanding and appreciation, and making lasting contributions to our Dabawenyo heritage,” Duterte added.
Davao City is home to various artists and cultural workers who made great impact in the country’s creative and artistic scenes, significantly contributing to Davao City’s rich heritage – including National Artist for Dance, Agnes Locsin; singer-songwriter, Joey Ayala; and renowned musical director and conductor, Maria Elena Gementiza among others. CIO
Written by: J. Villaluz
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: J. Faelnar
