BENGUET, Philippines – In efforts to sustain the promotion, development and conservation of the Benguet culture and traditions, the National Commission of Culture and the Arts approved P1.892 million worth of proposed projects for implementation this year.
The projects which underwent screening and approval by the NCCA are grants intended to preserve culture and traditions.
Brian Camhit, member of the Committee of Northern Cultural Communities for NCCA projects for Benguet, said the P1.892 M is allotted for the nine approved projects, of which five are existing with leveled up implementation, three are new while one was recently carried out.
The existing projects are the School of Living Traditions (SLT) on Ibaloi Patda Phase 3 of the Datakan Women’s Organization in Kapangan which is allotted P462.000; SLT on Ibaloi Performing Arts Phase 2 of Wangal barangay in cooperation with Wangal Elementary School in La Trinidad – P272,600.00; SLT on Ibaloi Traditional Loom Weaving Phase 1 of the Municipal Tourism Culture and Arts Council in Kabayan- P246,000.00; SLT on Kankanaey Music and Dances Phase 1 of barangay Ampusongan, Bakun- P200,000.00 and SLT on Bantalaan Crafts Phase 1 of Sablang Women’s Organization in Sagpat, Kibungan-200,000.00
New projects for implementation are the SLT on Ibaloi Performing Arts of the Bobok-Bisal barangay government in Bokod – P50,000.00; SLT on Abong-Making of the Cultural Workers of Mystical Kabayan in Kabayan- P236,500.00 and SLT on Kankanaey Performing Arts of the barangay government of Loo, Buguias- P124,900.00
The NCCA partly funded in the amount of P100,000.00 the Tallak Festival of the municipal government of Bakun which was held last week of March.
Camhit said the SLTs are trainings for young people to ensure the preservation of culture and traditions handed down from generations.
SLTs are carried out where a living master or culture bearer or culture specialist teaches skills and techniques of doing a traditional art or craft through non-formal, oral and with practical demonstrations.
