‘This is a big opportunity for Kalinga kasi mayaman ang probinsya sa tradisyon at creative potential’ - NCCA rep. Mizal during workshop on PDP-CA 2024–2029

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), through its Planning, Policy and Regional Exchange Office (PPREO) representative Caroline Mizal, highlighted Kalinga’s strong potential to promote inclusive growth through culture-based development initiatives, citing the province’s rich traditions and creative strengths.

The statement was made during the orientation and workshop on the Philippine Development Plan for Culture and the Arts (PDP-CA) 2024–2029, held on April 23 at Golden Berries in San Juan, Tabuk City.

The PDP-CA serves as a national roadmap that guides the integration of culture, heritage, and the arts into development planning. It supports local governments and agencies in incorporating cultural programs to preserve traditions, strengthen creative industries, and promote inclusive and sustainable community growth.

During the event, Mizal explained that culture plays a vital role not only in preserving identity but also in fostering innovation, unity, and sustainable development. She emphasized that Kalinga can further maximize its cultural strengths by aligning local programs with the PDP-CA.

“Pinaka-importante po na naka-align sa PDP-CA ang inyong mga programa at proyekto para mapalakas ang ating kultura habang binubuo ang mas inclusive at mas resilient na komunidad. Malaki ang role ng culture and the arts kasi sila po ang magbibigay ng identity, creativity at social commission na kailangan para maging tunay at inclusive ang ating komyunidad,” she said.

Mizal added that Kalinga has a significant opportunity to grow through its rich culture and creativity, noting that integrating culture into development plans can strengthen the province’s identity and ensure the transmission of heritage to future generations.

“For Kalinga this is a big opportunity kasi mayaman ang probinsya sa tradisyon at creative potential. Kung maime-mainstream natin ang culture sa plans, mas maraming mapapalakas na sectors, lalo na ang identity ng Kalinga. We want our heritage to stay alive. Gusto nating ituro at ipasa ang ating mga values sa tulong na sining. Kapag in-integrate ito sa local dev’t plans, masisigurado natin na ang living heritage, traditions at values ng Kalinga ay mapapangalagahan at maipapasa sa next generations,” she added.

Meanwhile, the workshop provided participants with opportunities to engage in discussions and planning sessions focused on integrating culture into governance and strengthening heritage conservation efforts.

The activity reaffirmed Kalinga’s potential to use culture as a driver of inclusive development, encouraging local government units and stakeholders to incorporate cultural initiatives into their development plans to preserve the province’s rich heritage for future generations.