Every Saturday afternoon, the program “Dawow” airs on DxUM and is simultaneously streamed on the Mindanao Times’ Facebook page. Last Saturday’s episode featured the legendary “Kaliweteng Gitarista,” Ronolfo “Popong” Landero, who even sang “Bahaghari Tayo,” the Araw ng Dabaw anthem from 2003 until it gradually faded from the memories of Davaoeños in recent years.
February is National Arts Month, a celebration of our creativity and the profound impact of art on our culture, identity, and humanity. Here in Davao City, this celebration resonates deeply, reflecting the unique blend of indigenous traditions, migrant influences, and modern expressions that define our artistic landscape.
We recognize art as more than mere entertainment. It allows us to explore our emotions, grapple with complex ideas, and connect with others on a deeper level. A painting can evoke longing, a dance can tell a story of resilience, and a song can inspire hope. These artistic expressions are not simply reflections of our experiences; they actively shape how we understand the world and our place within it.
La Herencia, an art space that has nurtured artists from traditional and emerging art forms, showcased the immense potential of our artists and encouraged art appreciation among Davaoeños. Davao’s artists have never shied away from addressing important issues, using their work to spark conversations about peace, environmental concerns, and social justice.
Oscar Casaysay, former Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts and now head of the Office of Culture and the Arts, announced that Davao City will host the regional closing ceremonies of National Arts Month. Our participation in this national celebration provides us with an opportunity to highlight our local talent and engage with the broader artistic community.
National Arts Month provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of our artists and reaffirm the importance of art in our lives. It’s a time to visit local museums and galleries, attend performances, and engage with artists in our community. It’s a time to encourage young people to explore their own creative potential and to support arts education in our schools.
This year, as we celebrate National Arts Month in Davao, let us not only appreciate the beauty and diversity of our artistic expressions but also recognize the vital role that art plays in shaping our city’s identity and fostering a more vibrant and compassionate community. Let us commit to supporting our local artists, nurturing their talents, and ensuring that the arts continue to flourish in Davao for generations to come. For in celebrating art, we celebrate the very essence of our humanity.
