The 2024 CCP Summit of Arts and Culture Advocates, a two-day conference held by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), has concluded with a robust commitment to enhancing the arts and culture sector in the Philippines. This landmark event, coinciding with the CCP’s 55th founding anniversary, gathered over 100 delegates, including prominent artists, cultural leaders, and advocates from across the nation.
Celebrating Milestones and Future Goals
The summit, which marked 45 years of CCP’s outreach and cultural exchange programs, focused on strengthening linkages, collaboration, education, promotion, and the propagation of Philippine arts and culture. Attendees engaged in dynamic discussions and activities aimed at maximizing the progressive impact of the arts and culture sector on national development.
Day 1 Highlights:
- Keynote Address: South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., President of the Governors’ League, delivered the keynote speech, setting the tone for the summit.
- Panel Discussions: Esteemed speakers including Pundaquit Virtuosi’s artistic director Coke Bolipata, Gawad CCP awardee Joey Ayala, and Philippine Madrigal Singers’ choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio, explored the theme “Music and its Magic.” Discussions on “When We Dance, We Live” featured Pangalay master teacher Ligaya Amilbangsa and National Artist for Dance Agnes Locsin.
- Performances: The first day showcased performances by the Philippine Madrigal Singers, T’boli cultural master Maria Todi, and the RMMC Teatro Ambahanon.
Day 2 Highlights:
- Panel Discussions: Key topics included Theater, Film/Visual/Indigenous Arts, and Design. Notable speakers included Pangasinan District 4 Rep. Christopher Toff de Venecia, who authored the Philippine Creative Industries Development Law, former CCP artistic director Chris B. Millado, and visual artist Kublai Millan.
- Screenings: Award-winning short film Black Rainbow by filmmaker Zig Dulay and other significant art pieces were showcased.
- Performances: The Sining Kambayoka Ensemble of MSU Marawi City performed an excerpt of “Si Pilandok,” while designer Marlon Tuazon presented three new ternos. Manobo singer-songwriter Bayang Barrios closed the summit with a captivating performance.
Expanding Reach Through Satellite Venues
The summit utilized online satellite venues to widen participation, hosted by 14 regional arts centers across the country. This approach ensured broader involvement from artists, cultural workers, and organizers.
Cultural Tour and Acknowledgments
The summit concluded with a cultural tour of Malolos, Bulacan, featuring visits to Barasoain Church, Casa Real, and the ancestral home of Dr. Luis Santos, showcasing works by National Artists Fernando Amorsolo and Guillermo Tolentino.
Organized by the CCP’s Cultural Exchange Department in partnership with the Dumendingan Arts Guild and the Malolos city government, the summit received support from Sorpresa Buko Pie, Bakeshoppe, and Yormenok Busog na Manok.
