AMADEO, Cavite (PIA) — More than 200 local artists from different parts of the country gathered at the Pilipinas Art Camp here to celebrate Arts Month in an event organized by the Cavite Provincial Tourism Office and the Amadeo town’s art sanctuary Alitaptap Artists Community.

Themed “Building a Better Nation with a Soul Through Creativity,” the celebration immersed artists of different kinds from Cavite, Bagui, Boragay, Bicol, Ilocos Norte, and Kalinga Mountain Province in various activities such as art talks, exhibits, and trade fairs. The art event held from February 21 to 25 also involved painting sessions, a theater acting workshop, and a concert.

Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla graced the event and stressed the significant role of Philippine Art in the progress of society.

“Sa pamamagitan ng mga okasyon na ganito ay may pag-asa tayo. May pag-asa tayo na mabuhay, mamulat ang mata at puso ng lahat ng mahilig sa sining. A society cannot progress if it forgets the arts. It’s not just about the sciences, not just about the Monday-work everyday,” Remulla said.

He also expressed optimism for the continued success of the art community, emphasizing that artists will always have a home in Cavite.

Local officials including Amadeo Mayor Red John Dionisio, Vice Governor Athena Bryana Tolentino, and Board Member Irene Bencito, also joined the Pista ng Sining celebration and expressed their full support for reinvigorating the arts and culture in the province.

Presidential Proclamation No. 683, s. 1991 declared February of every year as National Arts Month to celebrate artistic excellence and pay tribute to the uniqueness and diversity of Filipino heritage and culture. This year’s theme “Ani ng Sining, Bunga ng Galing,” celebrates the bountiful artistic harvest of Filipino artists as the art community recovers from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. (RBF with reports from PICAD)