[01 June 2009] Fostering natural heritage Angara presents Baler 400

Baler Buena Vista Wild Bird and Landscape Photo Exhibit opened at the Senate today with Baler Mayor Arthur Angara, Congressman Sonny Angara and Governor Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, as part of the year-long celebration of the 400th year of foundation of Baler. Baler400 Buenavista showcased few of the 200 endemic birds in the Philippines, out of which, at least 28 are found in Aurora. This bird watching and mountain climbing activity and general landscape photo contest was held in Baler last May 22-24, 2009.

Under the Presidential Proclamation 1696 issued last December 24, 2008, National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) was mandated by the president to spearhead different activities in line with the celebration of Baler’s 400th year. The events and activities will culminate on June 30, 2009.

We must believe and admire our own and continue to promote and popularize our nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources as well as our artistic creations” said Senator Angara.

He added, there should be venues where the beauty of our country and the works of the Filipinos are showcased where love and admiration of our own is revealed, it will strengthen the dynamic evolution of Philippine culture that is based in principle of unity amidst diversity of a free artistic and intellectual expression.

Senator Edgardo Angara urges for the protection and conservation of the national cultural heritage, he seeks to establish and strengthen cultural institutions to protect our history and ethnicity.

The winners were presented by NCCA Executive Director Cecile Alvarez.

[20 April 2009] ANGARA PROMOTES RP’S CULTURE AND ARTS AMID CRISIS

Senate announces passage of Cultural Heritage bill

Senator Edgardo J Angara today said that culture becomes even more important at a time of economic hardship thus giving importance to the promotion of arts and culture of the Philippines, a home of talented artists and host to a rich cultural heritage.

Both psychology experts and economic analysts have discovered that during economic depression and looming crises, two industries have thrived: movies and telecommunication. When times are bad, people look for ways to reconnect with a deeper, common meaning and shared identities. With the economy in a swan-dive, arts and culture can provide some psychological relief to people, in addition to policies that seek to prop up the economy,” said Angara who authored the laws which created the National Museum and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

He added, culture defines our national identity, mirrors and shapes our values, beliefs and aspirations as a people, and is our link to our rich past and a useful guide for the future. It is, therefore, plain good sense to preserve our historical and cultural heritage to prevent cultural bankruptcy.

Angara today graced the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ Exhibit showcasing Aurora’s talent. An Art and Photography Exhibit featuring, Baler’s top photographers and artists, was organized in celebration of Baler’s quadric-centennial foundation by the virtue of Proclamation No.1696 issued by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

The senator, an ardent supporter of culture and the arts, said that the people of Baler is proud to showcase its heritage and culture to the Filipino nation through the exhibit.

In the Senate, the heritage bill was recently passed and is now awaiting House of Representatives’ approval in order to proceed to the bicameral conference phase. This bill will institute mechanisms for better management of cultural properties, institutionalization of Heritage Zones, more efficient documentation of traditional and contemporary arts, and the initiation of a Cultural Heritage Education Program in schools.

Angara also said that the current crisis should also serve as a challenge to our artists to raise their game artistically, explore creative new marketing and promotion strategies and find ways to inspire and serve their audiences even better. To flourish artistically, we must be innovative, disciplined, focused, and more self-reliant than before.

Amidst the economic turmoil gripping our nation, exhibits and shows like this is a way of affirming our identity and celebrating our country's rich heritage – one of our truest wealth as a people, added Angara referring to the Baler 400’s Art and Photography Exhibit.