Before anything else, allow this near-sighted Ibaloy writer to post an observation with no intentions to malign, offend or insult anyone: Doesn’t Baguio pride itself in having so many talented, educated and creative people being the educational center of the north, haven of artists, etc.?
Then why is it that the heads of various committees and organizations, those being given awards and the like, are usually the same persons or belong to the same family or clan?
Of course, there is nothing wrong with this. It’s a free country. However, if this is true, then what happened to Baguio having so many creative, educated and talented people? I could be wrong in my observation and would gladly stand corrected. Peace.
Anyway, the local government and other concerned sectors are gung-ho in growing the local creative economy and supporting artists, artisans and creative workers, in whatever way possible, like making them “educationally well-equipped in upgrading their skills, train them well in perfecting their artistry, and making them good entrepreneurs”.
Baguio Mayor Benjie Magalong expressed this aspiration during a recent Creative City Educational Initiatives roundtable dialogue at the Baguio Convention Center with National Commission for Culture and the Arts Chair Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso, Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Christopher de Venecia, Baguio Rep. Mark Go, Baguio Tourism Council Chair Gladys de Vera, other concerned officials, and more.
The group discussed the proposed creation of secondary schools for the arts in Baguio, Region 1 and Cordillera; update on the proposed cultural mapping of Baguio; the former Diplomat Hotel as a cultural hub and venue for art education; and more.
In 2017, Baguio was the first Philippine city chosen by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, for crafts and folk art, to be included in the Creative Cities Network that promotes cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.
Baguio also has the distinction of having two national artists calling Baguio their home: Benedicto “Bencab” Cabrera for visual arts and Eric “Kidlat Tahimik” de Guia for independent film. Cheers!
Here’s “Despite the Storm ” by S.C. Lourie: “Despite the storms,/ beauty arrives like/ it was always going to./ Despite the darkness,/ the light returns./ Despite your loss,/ your heart will be/ full again./ Despite the breaking,/ your heart will feel/ like it belongs in the/ land of joy once more./ This is how it will/ always be. Keep living.”
Let’s end with a prayer: “May my life be filled with thanksgiving and praise for Your countless blessings. Give me assurance that You supply my every need through your generosity. May grace, mercy, and peace be with me, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Son, in truth and love. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.”
