NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur (PIA) -- The city government of Naga is promoting its local artists through a month-long “Karaw” Festival which was organized simultaneously with National Arts Month.

Allen Reondanga, the city events protocol and public information officer said the festival aims to strengthen various domains of creative industries and provide a sustainable platform to showcase their local talents and skills.

He said it would create stronger support programs and services for the artists and help recognize and register Bicolano local artists in the region. 

Adrian Botabara, the city government’s chief promoter of cultural affairs and arts, said “Karaw,” which means “being imaginative when it comes to creative outputs,” will take place at the Balatas Development Complex starting Feb 14, and will provide concert places and exhibit venues for Bicolano musicians, artists, theater actors, food enthusiasts, filmmakers, book writers, and other creative individuals.

He said that the city government is pursuing the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act of 2022 (PCID) to protect

their top eight female artists in a gallery exhibit at the festival.

“Nahiling mi ang power buda gayon kan likha and potential ninda (We have seen the power and beauty of their respective arts and potentials),” Perez said.

The Creative Endeavors Council of Ateneo De Naga University is set to participate in the community-wide celebration of the arts month through the Buklad Ateneo de Naga Arts and Culture Festival.

The event will showcase creative works by both students and faculty members and is scheduled to commence on Feb. 13.

According to Belle Borja, all members of the Naga City Arts and Culture Coalition and Sangre de Naga Theater Company are enthusiastic and ready for the government-led initiatives planned for them.

She hopes that through their organization, artists will have a voice and sense of community in Naga, she added.  (PIA5/Camarines Sur)