DOZENS of woodcarvers from Guagua's Betis District joined in this year's 8th National Dukit Festival, which also featured the participation of woodcarvers from Paete, Laguna on Friday, December 4.
Some 15 participants joined in the open woodcarving competition, which was aimed to showcase the skills of the woodcarvers of the town.
The event was held at the Guagua Artist Haven in the section of the FVR Megadike in Barangay Santa Ursula.
Mayor Dante Torres and Second District Representative Mikey Arroyo
officially launched the start of the two-day event, which will culminate Saturday, December 5.
A joint project of the Municipal Government of Guagua, National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the local wood carvers of Guagua, the event also featured wood carving events and exhibitions.
Wood carving products and sculptures, from furniture to art installations, are currently on display at the Provincial Training Center.
Another highlight of the event is the national and local competition for woodcarving works, which will be judged Saturday by a panel of jurors.
The open wood carving competition will also culminate with the awarding of best works, which will become permanent displays at the municipal hall and government agencies, which are partners of the event.
Known woodcarver and Presidential Merit Awardee for Ecclesiastical Art Willy Layug said woodcarving has become a major industry in Guagua, generating millions each year.
Layug lamented that fewer younger people are going into the trade, adding there is also less attention toward the continuing education of woodcarvers as artists rather than mere craftsmen.
"The event hopes to highlight the creative and artistic aspect of the craft and attract more people into this art form. We also hope to bring woodcarving here into a whole new level and bring more attention towards education and improvement of skills of woodcarvers and attract tourists and buyers," Layug said.
Guagua's Betis District is known for its woodcarving industry that has grown from furniture, religious and installation art.