Senator Loren Legarda (Image: Senate PRIB)
MANILA – At the Kislap-Diwa 2024: Engkuwentro event, Senator Loren Legarda emphasized the critical role of cultural transmission to future generations, underscoring its importance in fostering national pride and identity.
The event, which took place at the National Museum of Natural History’s Education Hall, was a gathering of artists and poets, as reported in a news release on Friday.
Legarda stated, “Kislap-Diwa transcends mere artistic expression; it represents our resolve to maintain and transmit our cultural heritage to the youth. It reflects our dedication to Filipino spirit and patriotism, a beacon that will illuminate our nation’s path forward.”
She stressed the event’s role in deepening the appreciation of the Philippines’ cultural legacy.
“In the rush of modern life, we must not let our culture, arts, and traditions – the essence of our identity – fade away. We are committed to supporting initiatives like Kislap-Diwa, which highlight and honor the narratives, creations, and customs that bind us and rekindle our shared national dreams,” Legarda remarked.
The Kislap-Diwa 2024 event was a joint effort by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the National Museum of the Philippines, the Society for Strategic Education Studies, and Senator Legarda’s office, bringing together a diverse group of cultural enthusiasts for a meaningful dialogue.
Originally envisioned by National Artist Virgilio Almario and Legarda, Kislap-Diwa aims to safeguard and promote Filipino culture and heritage.
The inaugural Kislap-Diwa event in August 2023 showcased a public exhibition where 12 artists and 12 poets collaborated to reinterpret pre-colonial artifacts at the National Museum of Anthropology.
Looking ahead, the Kislap-Diwa 2024 exhibition, set to open in February 2025, will celebrate traditional stories like the Manobo epic Agyu, the detailed craftsmanship of Aklan’s piña weaving, and the vibrant musical tradition of the Maranao’s Kulintangan, among other cultural gems. (PNA)