NCCA urges lumads to submit proposals

THE National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) urged indigenous people (IP) communities in Mindanao to submit project proposals for next year before August 30.

NCAA head for cultural communities and traditional arts section Renee Talevera, speaking during “Kapihan SA PIA” at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Davao Regional office, said there are only seven IP groups who have so far submitted their project proposals for next year.

For Mindanao, she said the agency listed 15 clusters, and each cluster is comprised of two to three groups.

In a press statement, projects to be funded by the agency must capture the aspiration of the arts and culture community, expressed by NCCA's vision: "Filipino culture as the wellspring of national and global well-being."

Talevera also said P250,000 will be given for the first phase; P200,000 for the second phase; and P150,000 for the third phase.

Talevera said the agency will provide P50,000 for the preparatory phase of the implementation of the IP community's project proposal.

"The IP group will be the one to choose what project they want to be funded and that these projects are aimed at the preservation of the indigenous culture and Filipino tradition,” Talevera added.

Talevera added they have listed a total of 60 project proposals for this year which have been implemented.

Talevera said one major problem of IP communities in the country is facing is the globalization, even saying the condition has already reached to the alarming level due to media.

The NCCA also supports the "School of Living Tradition" wherein the elder of an IP community passes on the culture, products, and tradition of the community.

Talevera also announced that NCCA is all set to stage the 6th Indigenous Peoples Month in October this year in Bulacan wherein she is expecting around 150 representatives from Mindanao to join in the celebration. ALC