Sagay Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva and writer-anthropologist Tito Valiente formally turned over the monograph “Nune Alvarado: A Life with His Arts and His Communities” to the Department of Education–Sagay City Division, marking another step in strengthening arts and cultural education in the city on December 1, a press release from Sagay PIO said.
The 73-page work documents the life and artistic journey of master visual artist Nunelucio “Nune” Alvarado, whose influence spans local, national, and global art communities.
Originally crafted as a bid book for Alvarado’s nomination to the National Artist Award under the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the monograph will now serve as a learning material for students.
Valiente, who completed the writing residency in Sagay in 2024, said the project reflects the city’s belief in nurturing local artists and cultural identity.
“It is important to believe in the artist,” he said, noting that the strong scholarship behind Alvarado’s body of work made the process fluid, adding, “It is an honor to contribute to Sagay in this way.”
Cueva said the donation aligns with the city’s broader cultural development agenda.
He shared that Sagay is now working on documenting its history and preparing short biographies of outstanding Sagaynons to highlight the city’s heritage and contributions across generations.
“We want our young people to grow up knowing the stories of those who shaped Sagay,” the Mayor said.
Schools Division Superintendent Dannie Clark Uguil received the monograph on behalf of DepEd, describing it as “a cultural resource that deepens our understanding of Sagay’s creative legacy.”
He said the material will be integrated into classroom lessons, particularly in Arts, Special Program in the Arts (SPA), and MAPEH subjects, to enrich local learning content and strengthen cultural appreciation among students.
Also present during the turnover were City Councilors Benson Fernandez and Lura Javelosa, along with DepEd personnel Cynthia Marifosque (OIC-EPS for MAPEH), Arnie Banes (SPA Coordinator), Melanie Arias (Visual Arts Teacher), and Kristofer Serias (Creative Writing Specialist).
Alvarado’s wife, Rosalia, also attended the turnover, along with the research and editorial team including Tourism Officer Helen Arguelles-Cutillar, Tresha Amando, and Yqfryd Alvarado.
The initiative forms part of Sagay City’s continuing efforts to invest in education, culture, and the arts, ensuring that future generations grow up connected to their identity, inspired by local excellence, and empowered to create new work rooted in their heritage.*
