To make Pasig River blue again, waters clear enough to reflect the blue skies above it—this is the vision that led NCCA, PRRC, and PETA to come together and create Taga-Alog 2019, a campaign that aims to voice awareness on environmental issues through the use of the arts. Taga-Alog, literally shakers, inspired by the old Tagalog term for “people from the ford.”
After a series of efforts and activities throughout the year, Taga-Alog concludes with ASUL: The Taga-Alog 2019 Grand Concert held on November 9, 2019, at Rizal High School, Pasig City.
“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa kasiyahan, kung hindi sa pag-raise ng awareness sa Ilog Pasig,” Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto said in his opening remarks.
Advocating through the arts
Wisik Short Film Making Workshop awarded the first place to Kung Hindi Ikaw by Royce Divine Oficial, Jessie Stephen Guevara, and Misty Shane Eneria for Public Service Announcement Category.
Coming in on second place was Hatol by Kristel Joyce Micael and Marjorie Marciano, and in third place was Eco Basura by Jhon Rheymel Lunes, Queenie Valdoz, Sandra Aguzar, Joseph Aquino, and Shiela Marie Salas.
For the literary arts, Khamille Anne Linsag of Davao City bagged the first place for Lagaslas Children Story Writing Workshop Competition with her story Budi.
United with Music
True to the campaign’s advocacy of utilizing arts as a platform of promoting environmental awareness, everyone’s commitment and oneness were strengthened as different performers light up the night with their melodies.
Taga-Alog ambassadors Noel Cabangon, Aicelle Santos, and Ben&Ben shared their talents through songs that went right through the hearts of the listeners. Other performers who supported the cause, including Gloc-9, KE, Talahib People’s Band, Pasig City Band, and singers and dancers from PETA, also made the musical moment special.
Everyone is a River Warrior
Everyone stood up and raised their right hand as Taga-Alog’s Project Director Mr. Raul Alfonso lead the oath-taking of the River Warriors.
Ambassadors Noel Cabangon and Aicelle Santos also shared some ways everyone can do to help on the Pasig River’s rehabilitation.
Lahat tayo magpamulat sa bawat isa at magtulung-tulong para sa rehabilitasyon ng Pasig River at kapaligiran natin sa kabuuan, Taga-Alogs ambassadress Aicelle Santos said.
Taga-Alog believes that the Pasig River is very alive, and with the 6Rs, it will someday be that same old beautiful river across the metro where children can swim and fish can live in.
With timeless platforms such as the arts, Taga-Alogs advocacy not only breathes life to the revival of the Pasig River but also inspires many Filipinos to stand as one in conserving the beauty of our natural resources.
For more information, visit the Taga-alog official Facebook page www.facebook.com/TagaAlog or email nccatagaalog@gmail.com.
