IN OBSERVANCE of National Heritage Month, the San Fernando City Government hosted over the weekend various activities to promote the rich culture and tradition of the city.
The celebration kicked off with an art exhibit dubbed “American Pikinisan at Kalalangan Kapampangan,” featuring the artworks of mixed-media artist Paul Del Mundo, who uses found objects or American “leftovers” in creating cohesive art pieces.
The exhibit also showcased different paintings and drawings of the renowned group of Kapampangan artists Guhit Pinas Pampanga, which was represented by Erwin Dayrit.
Tourists also enjoyed the heritage open-house and free kalesa tours around the city’s heritage district with the assistance of the Fernandino student tour guides.
This year, four of the heritage houses accredited by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines were opened for public visit. These include Hizon-Singian Heritage House, Lazatin Heritage House, Consunji Heritage House and Casa Nicolasa.
Kapampangan products like native foods and clothing were made available for sale on the trade fair that was put up in front of the old Train Station in Barangay Sto. Niño.
In his speech, Mayor Edwin Santiago said that the annual celebration serves as a thanksgiving for the remnants of the past that the city still possesses and enjoys today.
“I encourage every Fernandino to help us preserve our heritage so that it may be passed on to the next generation,” he added. (PR)