THE sixth Tam-awan International Arts Festival (TIAF) ended on Sunday in a blaze of indigenous music and dance.

Performances by the Tam-awan Village Dancers; Tadiangan School of Living Traditions from Kiwas Elementary School; Aeta group from Pampanga; Buddang Performing Artists Guild of Jolo, Sulu; Pangalay Artists Circle and the Elemento made the final day of the six-day festival memorable.

Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan lauded the organizers of the festival that showcased the country's diverse cultures.

"It is the government's role to support events such as TIAF which gives importance to culture and heritage," Fongwan said.

"I'm so happy that this children are very interested to learn about our culture, this should be continued; the government is here to support them," he said.

The artists from all over the country converged at Tam awan to bring arts to the grassroots level.

The annual event is also an avenue of learning and sharing of various cultures while appreciating the diversity of the Philippines' rich heritage and culture, said Chit Asignacion, festival coordinator.

The event is organized by the Chanum Foundation with support from the governments of Baguio and Benguet and other private institutions. (Malen Catajan)