THIS year, nine LGUs have been chosen to partner with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in Mugna.
Mugna is an NCCA program meant to “sustain and develop local culture. In 2016, when Mugna started in Negros Island, six towns/cities became the recipients of the program i.e. Bais, Bacong, Amlan, Calatrava, Murcia, and Kabankalan.
These pilot LGUs became involved in cultural development meant to focus on local culture, local history, and “ownership” of existing crafts. For example, in Brgy. Oringao in Kabankalan City, the weaving industry is brought to life under Negros 9 spearheaded by Fr. Brian Gore.
The municipality of Murcia may not have a pottery industry, yet, its rich source of clay make this a possible venture with huge potential. Calatrava’s banig weaving and basketry livelihood was also given more attention in terms of product development.
This year (Year II), Mugna added three more cities to the list: Bayawan, Bago, and Talisay.
Mugna II has activities that are meant to ensure the sustainability of the products and results that emerged during Year I. The focus is on “strengthening the cultural organizations established, variated product development, audience, and market development, promotions and marketing strategies all aimed at connecting the local creative industry generated with the provincial/regional tourism value chain.”
It is important to note that there is an emphasis on working with what is already there. Authenticity is key for Mugna. Take note, also, of the far-reaching benefits of the program. The three cities recently added to the list will replicate the best processes and practices of Year I. This includes Organizational Development and Partnership Building, implementation of Resiliency Building, Heritage Management, and Creative Industries.
Mugna offers a pool of resource persons the project needs to tap for the guidance of the project beneficiaries. There are talents in the fields of literature, visual, environment, music, heritage, theater, movement, production design, film, photography, and creative industry.
Mugna partners with Teatrokon (the West Visayas Network), YATTA (Youth Advocates Through Theater Arts), the PerfLab, Northern Negros Natural Park, Talarak Foundation, Inc., and National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
Local government units that desire to be included in Mugna may visit the Negros Cultural Foundation at the Negros Museum and approach the foundation director Tanya Lopez. Get in touch with NCF through telephone number 4334764.