3rd CALABARZON Culture Summit highlights the rich cultural heritage of the region

By Thiago Santos Mauban Dumagat Indigenous Communities dancing traditional dances and showcasing their vibrant costumes were among the high...

By Thiago Santos

Mauban Dumagat Indigenous Communities dancing traditional dances and showcasing their vibrant costumes were among the highlights of the event. (Photo from Batangas PIO)

BATANGAS CITY - The Provincial Government of Batangas led the two-day celebration of the 3rd CALABARZON Culture Summit brought by the CALABARZON Regional Development Council (RDC) Sub-Committee on Culture (SCC) in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) on October 10 to 11, 2023, at the Provincial Capitol Compound, Batangas City.

At the summit, various cultural activities and presentations were showcased, including traditional dances, music performances, and exhibits of local arts and crafts. Experts and scholars also delivered lectures and discussions on the importance of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the region.



The aim of the summit is to further raise awareness of culture and heritage in the region through collaboration with local stakeholders in the CALABARZON Region, such as government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community leaders. By bringing together these different groups, the summit hopes to create a unified effort to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Batangas City and its surrounding areas.

The two-day program was divided into three parts, with the themes “Panata, Pagpino, at ang Paglalakbay” highlighting the importance of religious traditions, the significance of preserving local customs and practices, and the exploration of historical sites and landmarks.



Through interactive workshops, panel discussions, and cultural performances, participants gained a deeper understanding of the region's diverse heritage and were inspired to actively engage in its preservation for future generations.

The first day of the summit was a workshop where CALABARZON culture, arts, and values were discussed, as well as the development of development plan roadmaps that will be implemented in the region starting this year until 2028.

The workshop provided a platform for participants to exchange ideas and collaborate on strategies to ensure the sustainable development and conservation of Calabarzon's cultural treasures. Additionally, experts in the field shared best practices and success stories from other regions, offering valuable insights and inspiration for the participants' future endeavors.

The SCC aspires, like a vow, to not only implement the lessons and experiences they have gained in each province but also to be able to implement and inform every citizen in the region about the critical role that cultural heritage and art play.

On the second day of the program, which is based on the theme "Strengthening Local Culture and Arts Councils for Advanced Culture Development," the meaningful discussion and sharing is about the initiatives and programs carried out by each Local Culture and Arts Council from the provinces of CALABARZON.

Some Batangueños, from the town of Agoncillo, shared the knowledge of how to make "Nilupak," from mixing, filling, refining, extracting, and serving, so that each individual who participated in the summit experienced the rich culinary heritage of the region.

The gathering ended with an artistic performance, where the Sinala Bauan group buried the guests and delegates in a prayer by dancing the vow of Subli, a traditional dance of Batangas.

The guests also visited and toured the Batangas Capitol building and museum as part of a joint trip in the form of a cultural tour to further immerse themselves in the history and culture of the region. The tour provided a deeper understanding of Batangas' political landscape and showcased various artifacts and exhibits that showcased the region's rich heritage.

In the two-day summit, Provincial Administrator Wilfredo Racelis and Acting Vice Governor and 5th District Senior Board Member Maria Claudette Ambida actively participated and attended as Governor Hermilando Mandanas' representatives.