QUEZON CITY -- In celebration of the Philippine Creative Industries Month, the House of Representatives Association of Women Legislators Foundation Inc. (AWLFI) chaired by Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez (Party-list, Tingog) on Monday formally launched its fundraising project dubbed “Sining Sa Kongreso: An Art Exhibit of Masters, Modern Masters and Contemporary Filipino Artists."

September of every year has been designated as the Philippine Creative Industries Month (PCIM) by virtue of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act or Republic Act No. 11904.

Guest of Honor Rep. Christopher de Venecia (4th District, Pangasinan), Chairman of the Committee on Creative Industries, described the exhibit as truly laudable as part of the proceeds will go to the AWLFI’s charitable projects, including the construction of a structure for women and children at the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). Rep. De Venecia represented Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez in the event. 

"Mental health deserves attention, empathy, and action,” he said. Citing the UNICEF 2022 entitled, “Strengthening Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Systems and Services for Children and Adolescents in East Asia and Pacific Region," Rep. de Venecia reported one in eight adolescents aged 10 to 19 years old and one in seventeen children aged 5 to 9 years are estimated to have a mental disorder. 

The activity is also being held in support of the country’s “Mental Health Law.” 

AWLFI President Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica (4th District, Bulacan) said ‘Sining sa Kongreso” shows how art brings people together for a cause. "For every art piece that you buy, part of it will help in the construction this time of a two-storey Women and Children Protection Unit at the NCMH... Your patronage of this exhibit will enable our healers to provide more fitting care and environment to treat women and children,” Rep. Villarica said.

Committee on Welfare of Children Chairperson Rep. Angelica Natasha Co (Party-list, BHW), speaking on behalf of Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, commended Speaker Romualdez for his support for, and Rep. de Venecia for authoring RA 11904, recognizing the contribution of  the creative sectors to nation-building. “The art exhibit featuring iconic works by revered masters is a testament to the boundless talent in artistry of the Filipino,” she added. 

The back-to-back art exhibit, which runs until Sept. 29, Thursday, is chaired by Reps. Josie Limkaichong (1st District, Negros Oriental) and Stella Luz Quimbo (2nd District, Marikina City). Rep. Midy Cua (Lone District, Quirino) served as master of ceremonies during the event. 

The AWLFI launched the project in partnership with Mira Art Gallery and Project Hulmaha. (CONGRESS)