• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The Negros Cultural Foundation (NCF), an organization committed to promoting and preserving the arts, culture, history, and heritage of Negros Island, marked its 36th anniversary yesterday with the launch of its official website, www.ncfiph.org.
The website will serve as a hub for information on the foundation’s programs, events, and initiatives.
One highlight of the anniversary celebration is the Pagdayaw Awards, which recognize individuals who made significant contributions to the development, promotion, and preservation of arts and culture in their respective communities.
Established in 2008, the Pagdayaw Award aims to honor and celebrate trailblazers of cultural heritage and artistic expression.
This year, the outstanding individuals given recognition as Pagdayaw Awardees are National Commission for Culture and the Arts chairman Victorino “Ino” Manalo, NCCA deputy executive director Marichu Tellano, and Angelica Urra-Berrie of Negros Season of Culture, who all hail from Negros.
As a special recognition, the Pagdayaw Awardees received an artwork donated by prolific Negrense visual artists Charlie Co, Wayne Lacson Forte, and Rodney Martinez.
NCF is also proud to celebrate two of its initiatives, the Balay Negrense and Negros Museum, which are now on their 33rd and 27th year, respectively. These museums serve as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Negros Island.
The Negros Museum relaunched “Ang mga Istorya ni Bao,” an interactive tour designed for grade school students that aims to introduce local myths, legends, and history to young audiences while promoting appreciation for arts and love for museums.
NCF is also currently promoting its upcoming fundraising project for the JGM Gallery of International Folk Art and Toys Re-installation. It is also proud to highlight its Sine Negrense Film Festival and Workshop, now on its 6th year, which is held in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines and provides an opportunity for Negrosanon filmmakers, whether they are first-timers, veterans, amateurs, or professionals, to showcase their films to a wider audience and to establish connections.
Chairman Jose Mari Chan and president Lyn Gamboa, together with vice president Cristina Montelibano, and executive director Tanya Lopez, lead NCF in its mission to preserve and promote the arts and culture of Negros Island.*
