The Cagayan Valley Regional Development Council (RDC) in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) successfully conducted a  two-day webinar entitled “A Culture that Heals: Filipino Values and Culture in the Time of Pandemic”on 15-16 July 2021.

The two esteemed speakers were Professor Felipe de Leon Jr., former NCCA Chairperson and former Commissioner of UNESCO Philippines; and Professor Arvin Manuel Villalon, Assistant Professor of Psychology at UP Baguio and Team Leader of NCCA’s National Survey on Filipino Values.

Prof. Felipe De Leon, Jr. provided cultural enrichment with his study on “Hiyang: the Filipino Philosophy of Healing” which stresses the foundations of holistic healing among Filipinos. Prof. De Leon shared that Filipinos find wellness through sharing, communal creativity, deep spirituality, and identifying with a higher purpose. He also emphasized that all Filipino values are rooted from the indigenous concept of shared identity or “pakikipagkapwa”.

Prof. Arvin Manuel Villalon shared the results of the 2019 NCCA study which determined the different values upheld across the country in strengthening the Filipino society. For Region 2, results show that the top values are family, health and wellness. The study will be useful in crafting relevant policies on health and wellness for the Regional Development Plan. Prof. Villalon added that values must be taught to all Filipinos in schools and communities, and should be inculcated in the different sectors of society.

Ms. Maricel Diaz of NCCA discussed the Commission’s mandates and programs, wherein participants were encouraged to avail of the agency’s services which include technical assistance, grants and other institutional programs.

NCCA Executive Director Al Ryan Alejandre graced the event with an opening message that highlights the importance of preserving and promoting culture even in this time of health crisis. DOT Regional Director Fanibeth Domingo, SCC Co-Chair, delivered the closing message, stressing that culture and arts are the soul of the people and that these should be passed on to the younger generations.

More than 80 participants across the country attended the activity coming from regional line agencies, civil society organizations, academe, member-agencies of RTF-ELCAC, culture and arts officers, and planning officers of local governments. #NEDA2 – PMED