‘Don’t vandalize the mural paintings’: BM Donaal calls for protection of artworks from ‘Art for Tax Awareness’ competition

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Christopher Donaal is calling on residents to respect and preserve the newly painted murals at the CARAA Grounds, urging the public to refrain from defacing the artworks.

The appeal was made during the final day of the two-day “Art for Tax Awareness: Provincial Mural Painting Competition” held on April 22–23 at the Kalinga Sports Complex in Bulanao. Donaal emphasized that the murals highlight the importance of paying taxes and serve not only as artistic expressions but also as meaningful tools for public awareness.

“Napintas piman daytoy nga inaramid da ket makita yo met nga maited na diay mensahe nga kayat nga ipaka-ammo ti Provincial Treasurer’s Office nu anya ti kina-importansya na ti panagbayad iti amelyar—iti taxes,” he said.

The board member also urged residents to value the efforts of the artists, avoid adding unnecessary marks or names, and help maintain the integrity of the artworks. He stressed that preserving such initiatives reflects respect for creativity and contributes to building a more disciplined and progressive community in Kalinga.

“Tatta nga pinapintas dagitoy artists tayo, panggaasi tayo kakailyan nga iKalinga ta haan tayon kuma nga i-vandalize nga apan ikabil ti nagan tayo wenno anya man dita… panagrespeto metlang kadagiti artists tayo—mangiremind kanyatayo nu anya ti mai-contribute tayo tapnu matulungan tayo daytoy local government tayo ken maabot tayo ti Lumin-awa nga probinsya iti Kalinga,” he added.

Meanwhile, the activity was organized by the Provincial Treasury Office, highlighting the importance of taxation and civic responsibility through art. The murals were created by teams composed of visual artists, high school students, and their coaches from different municipalities and the city.

The event concluded with the Municipality of Rizal emerging as champion, with their entry praised for clearly illustrating how government processes and taxation contribute to community growth and shared responsibility.

The winning piece was created by Carl Justine Callangan and Bernadette Esteban, with their coach, Henry James Echalar.

The first-place team received P40,000; the second-place team, P35,000; and the third-place team, P30,000. All winners were also awarded certificates of recognition and trophies. The remaining participating teams each received P20,000 and certificates.