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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Music can bring us together': Panay Bukidnon student represents PH in int'l youth forum

'Music can bring us together': Panay Bukidnon student represents PH in int'l youth forum

Published Jun 2, 2021 10:55 pm

A Panay Bukidnon senior high school student represented the Philippines in the virtual International Youth Forum on Cultural Diversity held on May 21 in celebration of World Day for Cultural Diversity.

(Photo from DepEd)

During the global forum, Rennel S. Lavilla cited the importance of music in bringing people together, especially in times of crisis.

“I believe my work in music can unite people because music transcends differences in boundaries. Through music we can communicate, it has the capacity to bring us together and express ourselves and our identities,” said Lavilla, a traditional artist.

Lavilla also performs various Panay Bukidnon vocal and instrumental musical genres. As a skilled crafts maker, he is also into embroidery and instrument making.

“To my fellow youth, we should be proud of ourselves and our culture. Let us be an inspiration to our peers, be strong and persistent with our advocacies because we can be the agents of change for a better world,” he said.

Lavilla was chosen in 2019 as among the national finalists of the National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA).

"Currently, he is exploring creative solutions in advocating and promoting instrument construction and performance among his fellow Panay Bukidnon youth,” the Department of Education (DepEd) said in a statement.

Youth from other countries such as India, Canada, Indonesia and South Africa also participated in the forum initiated by the Department of Education (DepEd), In collaboration with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region 6/7 & 8, Balay Patawili, Inc., Panay Indigenous Culture Advocacy Group (PICAG).

Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said the forum was initiated to provide a platform for young leaders and advocates to tackle issues and resolutions on cultural diversity in the context of the present coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Culture retains our humanity amidst technological advancements and continuously shifting socio-economic landscape. Culture identifies us as people of one nation. Our art reflects the wide range of cultural influences, and how these influences honed Philippine art. I commend our learners and partners for imparting their heritage to the world,” she said.

Aside from young leaders and students, advocates for global citizenship, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), respect for cultural diversity, environmental protection, peace, and global understanding also attended the forum.

“We should provide a platform for the youth to be heard, especially the voices of those making a meaningful difference in fostering cultural understanding, responsible global citizenship, peace, and development around the globe,” Undersecretary for Planning, Human Resource, and Organizational Development Jesus L.R. Mateo said.

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