LA UNION CREATIVE INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION ORGANIZED, SETS STAGE FOR LU'S CREATIVE ECONOMY
By: Joy Ann L. Gurtiza, GPC-LUPTO | Photos By: Mico Salamanca, LUPTO and Tristan Paul Orodio, SP | Date: August 14, 2023
Uniting professional groups, creative unions, and local artists inclined with Performing, Visual, and Literary Arts, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) though the La Union Provincial Tourism Office – Culture and the Arts Unit facilitated the formation of the La Union Creative Industries Association (LUCIA) on August 14, 2023, at the Bayview Hall, Speaker Pro-Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Provincial Legislative Building, City of San Fernando, La Union.
The inaugural meeting was graced by Provincial Tourism Officer Arthur S. Cortez, Jr. and emphasized that creative industries play a crucial role in the creative economy as they encompass a wide range of areas such as music, performing arts like acting, and visual arts like painting. He added that these fields not only contribute to the province’s economy by generating revenue but also foster creativity, innovation and cultural expression.
The central aim discussed at the meeting was the support system for the work of local artists and creators to raise their visibility within and beyond La Union, by promoting collaboration, providing resources, and advocating for the growth and recognition of arts and creative industries. The Association also aims to ensure that diverse voices and perspectives are represented and supported within the creative community and transform into a stable segment of the province’s economy.
The gathering saw participation from several organizations, including the Cultural Groups of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Saint Louis College Center for Culture, the Arts and Heritage, Artists Guild of La Union, IRIS: La Union Visual Community, La Union Designers Society, Dalikan Artists La Union, PelicuLa Union, Gunglo dagiti Mannurat nga Ilokano ti La Union (GUMIL), Ayat ken Laing Familia para Musika ken Sining (ALFMS), Aoeng Organization, ELYU Hosts, Tanghalang Don Mariano, Dulaang Elyu, Street SMART Events and Productions, Zachary Dance Tutorial, Anya Aya, AKAPELYU: Networks of Church, School and Community-based in La Union, and the Project Elyu Event/Wedding Photographers and Videographers, among others.
Culture and Arts Officer Darlene A. Buccat presented the Gameng ti La Union Project and provided updates on the province’s culture and arts initiatives. The meeting also saw discussions on the proposed LUCIA logo, future performances and moving forward of the Association.
A significant part of the meeting was the election of Interim Officers for 2023-2024. The first set of elected LUCIA officers were Mr. Dexter Macaso (Dulaang Elyu) as President; Mr. Vernon Cabading (Dulaang Elyu) as Vice President; Ms. Flora Leigh Saranilla (TDM) as Secretary; Ms. Emetess Catbagan (Dalikan Artists La Union) as Treasurer; Mr. JJ Buenaventura (PelicuLa Union) as Auditor; Ms. Maria Yna Dizon (AKAPELYU) as Public Relations Officer (PRO) for Performing Arts; Mr. Darryl Arthus Casugay (Dalikan Artists La Union) as PRO for Visual Arts; and Ms. Djuna Alcantara (GUMIL) as PRO for Literary Arts. The elected officers pledged their support to the advocacies of Governor Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David. Inspired by her P.U.S.O. agenda, they aim to advocate for policies that promote the growth and recognition of the local creative industries.
Subsequently, LUCIA has also reviewed the draft Constitution and By-laws of the Association. Further, a handful of amendments were to be approved in advancing the organization’s thrusts. Decisions made at the meeting included the possible inclusion of an Advisory Committee to provide judicious advice to the LUCIA and amendments to the Association's Constitution and By-laws. The group also outlined a pool of strategic initiatives and projects for the Association to undertake.
The PGLU recognizes LUCIA as partner to assist creative businesses in establishing sustainable ventures that contribute to the local economy through the spirit of #LaUnionPROBINSYAnihan.
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