PAETE, Laguna (PIA) -- Known as the Carving Capital of the Philippines and the Arts Capital of Laguna, the town of Paete continues to honor Paeteños who excelled in the arts and culture to mark National Arts’ Month.
Kasiningang Paete’s Night of Recognition for Artists, organized by the local government, fosters appreciation for local artists and signifies their support in their crafts.
Paete Mayor Ronald Cosico emphasized the importance of integrating the national celebration of Arts Month into the community to honor the local artists for their legacy and contribution to arts.
“The town of Paete is recognized as the Carving Capital of the Philippines by virtue of Proclamation no. 809. Proclaimed also by Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Laguna as Arts Capital of Laguna, so it is just right to recognize the artists in our town,” Cosico explained.
He added: “We adopted the celebration of National Arts' Month in our town. We have come a long way. Tonight, a new set will be recognized here in our town as they bring honor not only in our town but to our country, the Philippines.”
Councilor Joshua Ryan Alvarez said that the recognition ceremony’s goal is to acknowledge and celebrate the diverse talents of its residents and to also open the door of opportunities for future generations of artists who will continue the tradition of excellence in the arts.
These efforts, Alvarez believes, helps to strengthen the sense of community pride and identity while also promoting cultural tourism and economic development in their town.
“It is held to give appreciation to the Paeteños who elevate the art and culture of our town in various fields such as carving, making paper mache, drawing, writing literature, and others. It is important to do this because Paete is called the Arts Capital of Laguna because of our town's contribution to the total arts in the Province of Laguna,” Councilor Alvarez said.
Seven awardees in different fields of arts were awarded after a series of deliberations and review done by the committee members and municipal council.
Emersan Baldemor, awardee for Pambayang Alagad ng Sining sa Musika at Panitikan, expressed his gratitude to the LGU.
He said that more than the award and recognition, he treats this as a responsibility to be a voice for his fellow artists.
“To be awarded and recognized as an artist is not only an honor and privilege, it is a responsibility to be the voice of fellow creators who always yearn for recognition and appreciation; and challenge society to ask them the true meaning and importance of art and culture, and love for the country,” he said.
Baldemor is a teacher who bagged awards and recognition on the national level as a 3-time grantee of NCCA Gawad Bagong Biswal and Gallery and Exhibitions Program. He is also a registered writer and author in the National Book Development Board of the Philippines.
He commits to continuously value education as a tool to inspire the youth in arts and culture appreciation, to actively participate in different culture and arts-based programs that will give opportunity to support his fellow local artists, and to be part of the advocacy that aims to preserve Paete’s culture and tradition.
Baldemor added: “I promise that I will continue to fight for and be proud of our culture and arts, and serve as a loyal supporter of projects that will strengthen our town as Arts Capital of Laguna and Carving Capital of the Philippines.”
Other awarded local artists include Neil Ricci F. Bagamano (carving), Ron Michael C. Adea (member of Autism Spectrum Disorder Band who joined Canada’s Got Talent), Caroline Cagahastian (oil/acrylic and spray painting), Lord Alvin B. Madridejos (tv directing), Mark Pagalanan (fashion designing) and Joey M. Sasa (PWD charcoal portrait artist). (AM/PIA-4A)
