PGLU and NCCA Launches DAP-AYAN La Union
By: Darlene Joy V. Acosta, PITO-LU | Photo by: PITO-LU | Date: May 04, 2018
Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III and National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman and Executive Director, Dir. Rico S. Pableo, Jr. sign a Memorandum of Understanding witnessed by the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) and NCCA Officials to initiate a strong partnership in conveying the Dap-ayan project on May 3, 2018 at the Mabanag Justice Hall, La Union Agri-Tourism Center (PasaLUbong Center), City of San Fernando, La Union.
The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), launched the Dap-ayan La Union Center for Culture and the Arts on May 3, 2018 at the Mabanag Justice Hall, La Union Agri-Tourism Center (PasaLUbong Center), City of San Fernando, La Union.
Highlights of the program included the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the PGLU and NCCA as well as the ribbon cutting and unveiling of the Dap-ayan marker which signifies that the building is now the official center for culture and the arts in the province, thus, will serve as a venue to cater cultural activities such as trainings; performances; exhibitions; workshops; festivals; stage arts; meetings; conferences; and trade fairs, among others.
Mr. Adamor L. Dagang, Provincial Tourism Officer, started the launching event by welcoming the guests. It was graced by PGLU Officials headed by Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III. Also present were Board Members Nancy Bacurnay, Reynaldo Mosuela, Jonathan Justo Orros, San Gabriel Mayor Herminigildo M. Velasco, NCCA Chairman and Executive Director, Dir. Rico S. Pableo, Jr., NCCA Head for Arts Section, Mr. Ferdinand P. Isleta and other NCCA Officials, stakeholders and government agency representatives.
The rationale of the Dap-ayan project was imparted by Mr. Isleta. He discussed that said project aims to develop existing structure to become a cultural hub and develop local culture and arts programs that considers the important cultural assets of the community.
Gov. Pacoy gave his message saying that La Union is mixed up of cultures as it is bounded by Ilocos Sur in the North, Pangasinan in the South, Cordilleras in the East which makes the province’s culture rich. He also extended his appreciation to NCCA for choosing La Union to be one of its grantees to develop culture and the arts in the province.
In Dir. Pableo’s keynote speech, he further stressed that Dap-ayan is an attempt of NCCA to push development beyond the urban cities to the provinces and regional centers. It shall initiate various activities in the areas of Northern Luzon, Central Luzon and Southern Luzon, leading to a culture-based development in the said localities.
A Press Conference on culture and arts in the afternoon was held and a Stakeholders’ Forum also took place after the conference to finalize programs of the cultural hub.
Dap-ayan La Union is the first culture and arts hub in Northern Luzon funded by NCCA. Hence, it is eyed to be the main hub for culture and arts in the North.
