Legarda plans art museum in Benguet

SENATE Committee on Cultural Communities head Senator Loren Legarda said she has plans to establish a folk art museum in Benguet to benefit farmers in the province.

She said she will soon build the museum for farmers to take care of and own for their advantage.

The museum, she said, will showcase the products of the farmers and the cultural richness of the province.

“Cultural diplomacy is another advocacy I would want to pursue. It may seem too ideal to have museums in every province, but I think it is doable because we have been working on promoting our unique Filipino culture,” the lawmaker said.

She added, “Others might think that this is not important because our people need food on their tables, jobs, quality education, and healthcare coverage. We are working on these pressing needs, but we must not forget the things that contribute to our individuality and deepen our being Filipinos. I agree with national Artist for literature F. Sionil Jose, when he said that there is a need for an immersion in the folk arts, which develops craftsmanship and industry, national identity and pride, and will help unite Filipinos.”

Jose suggested to Legarda to showcase the country’s art from the ordinary folks of old through the planned museum.

Legarda stated she will start the advocacy of ‘cultural revolution’ in places where folk art is rich and thriving like in Benguet.

Apart from products and arts, the planned museum aims to showcase music and performing skills of the people in the area.

“The museum will also house shops where outstanding local products will be sold. Through this, we are not only creating food for the soul, but also providing opportunities for livelihood,” she said.

The participation of the local people will be important in this program. They must take the project their own. They will need to have a stake on this museum to be self–sustaining, Legarda said. (Rubyloida Bitog)