As a cultural and historical center in the south, Zamboanga comes as the perfect host city in celebration of National Arts Month 2024 of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) on March 8. Bearing the theme, “Ani ng Sining, Bayang Malikhain,” the NCCA rolled out a series of seminars and workshops for students of different colleges and universities within the city. In each event, creative inputs and insights were shared by key industry leaders who explored boundless possibilities in the fields of architecture, cinema, literature, and visual arts.

Mindanao-based artists spearheaded the workshops on Basic Drawing and “Musing on Okir: Articulating Traditional Motif in Contemporary Expression.” After a brush-up on the basics of drawing by Michael Bacol (National Committee on Visual Arts member), the student participants were introduced to okir art, a traditional motif in carving by visual artists Chester Mato, and Al-Nezzar Ali. 

From the Tagalog word ukit, the motif is known as okir in Maranao, okil in Maguindanao and Cotabato, and tukkil in Zamboanga and Tausug Sulu. The workshop paid particular attention to the principles of the okir design and challenged the students to apply the motif in artworks following their styles and expressions. “We are trying to use the motif or pattern in the contemporary setting and find its relevance. Because if it isn’t relevant anymore, they will be soon forgotten. As a contemporary visual artist, I utilized it in different platforms while following its design principles. Okir is not just a pattern, it is a symbol of the people who promote and protect their cultural heritage. We hope to inspire more Moro artists, especially from the next generation of artists,” said Ali, National Committee on Visual Arts secretary. 

In the "San ka Lulugar?" lectures and workshops, students were lectured on different topics such as "Luntiang Pook on Landscape Architecture," "Upcycling, Zamboanga Architecture: Here and Beyond," and "Environmental Planning: Improving Public Spaces."

In this series, students in the fields of engineering, architecture as well as urban city planning were challenged to be future contributors in the development of communities, municipalities, and cities marked by impressive structures that enhance the human experience. The talks and activities zeroed in not just the aesthetics of particular structures, public spaces, and landscapes, but also covered environmental concerns, resiliency in natural disasters, the use of technological advances, and the impact of cultural influences in developing a locality.

Officers and members of the National Committee on Architecture and Allied Arts who were involved in the events were Architects Gloryrose D. Metilla, Eliezer B. Villaruz, Jennifer D. Gasambelo, Omar Maxwell P. Espina, Sylvester Shaun D. Seno, Environmental Planner Maria Mylen Victoria Y. Pangan, Dr. Nappy L. Navarra (Doctor of Engineering), Landscape Artist Zayra B. Bulawan, Interior Decorators Katherine Anne G. Correa, Esmeralda W. Ayag, and Brigid A. Sarmiento.

In partnership with the NCCA and Ateneo Zamboanga-Mindanao Institute (AZMI), the Ateneo de Zamboanga University hosted Surat - Tanghal: Reading the Regions 2024 program and “Ani ng Sining, Bayang Malikhain” Mindanao Writing exhibit. In his speech, University President Father Ernal M. Andal welcomed the attendees and Dr. Jhoanna Lynn Cruz, a member of the National Committee on Literary Arts, President of the Davao Writers Guild, and Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of the Philippines, delivered the keynote address. She also underscored efforts given to women writers by indie publishers, Gantala Press in particular, in empowering the voices of marginalized women and how Mindanawon writing contributes to the struggle for people’s rights in the South.

A panel of discussion titled “Horizons of Writing, Histories of Place” then followed where creative writers, Caezar Ripa from Basilan, Sigrid Gayangos from Zamboanga, Jesa Suganob from Cagayan de Oro, and Gab Olaya from Bukidnon, shared their perspectives and experiences in writing, readership, and publishing literary pieces that deepen awareness on the people and culture of Mindanao.

The event also became a venue for the book launch of the anthology “Hulagway 2023: Empire and Emporia,” by Editor Floraime O. Pantaleta. The works of poets, Francis “Butch” Macasantos (“El Bailadora Del Pangalay”) and Anthony L. Tan (“Leaving Muddas”) were then interpreted in a song and dance number by Bjork Colao, Erica Francisco, and JP Braulio.

For the discourse on cinema, the university hosted a film showing and reading of the short films “Sa Paglupad Ka Banog” by Elvert Banares, “Brand X” by Keith Deligro, and “Naboc” by Rodel Artiaga, Jr. Facilitated by National Committee on Cinema head Butch Ybanez, vice head Tito G. Valiente, and executive committee member Jose Antonio W. Garcia, the session allowed students to critic and interact with the filmmakers in better appreciation and understanding of the screened films.

The students from Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Ateneo de Zamboanga Senior High School, Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University (ZPPSU), Universidad de Zamboanga, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST), Immaculate Concepcion Archdiocesan School de Calarian (ICAS) - Calarian and Tetua, Southern City Colleges (SCC), Claret School, and St. Joseph School were receptive to the stimulating critical discourse that heightened their awareness and appreciation of various arts and art disciplines in different platforms. There were also out-of-school youth in attendance.