The CCP Kaisa sa Sining (KSS) Regional Arts Centers will be sending four representatives to participate in the inaugural China-ASEAN Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Week, taking place in Nanning, China from April 22 to 26, 2023. The delegates from KSS include Renefe M. Tremedal (Pagadian), Cecile B. Mambuay (Marawi/Cagayan de Oro), Lolilto M. Pontillas (Agusan del Sur), and Marichelle S. Bernardo (Malolos, Bulacan), with Carmencita Bernardo, the manager of CCP’s Cultural Exchange Department, leading the delegation.
The primary objective of the ICH Week is to enhance exchanges and collaboration between China and ASEAN countries in safeguarding, inheriting, and utilizing intangible cultural heritage. The event also aims to promote and publicize cultural tourism resources while building strong cultural brand identities. Co-organized by the China Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center, the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and the Nanning Municipal People’s Government, the week-long event serves as a platform for cultural exchange.
During the event, the Philippine delegation will showcase various samples of Philippine intangible cultural heritage through exhibitions, demonstrations, and performances. Additionally, they will actively participate in forums and engage in discussions with delegates from China and ASEAN countries, sharing insights and strategies implemented by each nation to preserve and promote their own intangible cultural heritage.
The CCP KSS representatives have been heavily involved in significant programs related to intangible cultural heritage within their respective regions. Renefe M. Tremedal serves as the project director of the Dumendingan Arts Guild (DAGI), regional coordinator for the NCCA Institute of Living Tradition, and a member of the Research & Inventory Team on Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mindanao. Cecile B. Mambuay, former dean and faculty regent of the Mindanao State University Marawi City, has dedicated her efforts to the theater and performing arts of the Iranun, Maguindanao, Sama, and other Muslim and indigenous groups in Mindanao. Lolilto M. Pontillas, associate dean of the College of Teacher Education and director of the Culture & Arts Office at St. Francis Xavier College, Agusan del Sur, also serves as the coordinator for cultural programs centered around the Manobo Cultural Community of Agusan. Marichelle S. Bernardo, an administrative officer of the Malolos City Culture, Arts, Tourism Office, is an artist, demonstrator, and facilitator of PUNI de Malolos, Leaf Art, and a member of the Advocates for Heritage Preservation.
The Philippine participation in the 1st China-ASEAN Intangible Cultural Heritage Week, facilitated by the CCP Cultural Exchange Department (CED), represents an excellent opportunity to foster stronger cultural ties, promote understanding, and encourage camaraderie among Filipinos, Chinese, ASEAN nations, and other participants attending the event.
