CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--During the 2nd Semester 2021 meeting of the RDC-X Regional Committee on the Promotion of Culture (RCPC)-10, October 26, Dir. Arturo B. Bayocot, CESO III, Committee Chair and Department of Education (DepEd)-10 Regional Director, urged member agencies, local government units, the academe, and non-government/People’s organizations to reassess and realign activities along culture, values, and the arts. 

With tourism and culture as two of the most affected areas by the COVID-19 pandemic, members discussed at length strategies to address the challenges and reinvigorate said sectors. These strategies include the streamlining of local cultural inventory and mapping, integration of culture and values in the basic and higher education curriculum, and pro-active partnerships among various stakeholders. 

Jazmin D. Berido of the NEDA Governance Staff presented strategies and priority action areas under the Updated Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 Chapter 7: Promoting Philippine Culture and Values. She enjoined the body's support for culture, values, and arts endeavors in the region and the whole country. She added that the Updated PDP acknowledges the role that Filipino culture and values play in the country’s development and the citizens’ well-being. These are essential in building a high-trust society towards a healthy and resilient Philippines. 

Bayocot also underscored that the conservation of culture is a crucial component in individual and community identity, traditions, and cultural beliefs. Common culture has the power to glue a region and country of fragmented 7,641 islands and 120 languages together, he said. 

The agency head highlighted the DepEd-10’s cultural initiatives such as the celebration of festivals through online platforms following the new normal, implementation of inclusive indigenous education, and the conduct of advocacy campaigns. 

Also presented were initiatives and best practices such as the "Breaking the Spell of COVID-19" series of the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology Center for Culture and Arts Studies, and plans of the Liceo de Cagayan University - Office of the Vice President for Cultural Affairs Office to elevate the cultural scene in the region. (NEDA-10/PIA-10)