Likhang Kamay IV features world-class NV artisans

Likhang Kamay IV features world-class NV talents

Provincial Tourism Council (PTC) Chairperson Ruth R. Padilla led the opening of the fourth episode of the “Likhang Kamay” Exhibit series of the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya (PGNV) on February 13, 2023 at the lobby of the Main Executive Bldg., Provincial Capitol.

Likhang Kamay IV, Entitled “Palamuti”, which means decoration or adornment, features the masterpieces of two renowned craftswomen from the southern municipality of Dupax del Sur who specialize in handcrafted accessories and designs.

The exhibit is part of the province’s celebration of National Arts Month (NAM) which is observed throughout the month of February pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 683 of then President Corazon C. Aquino in 1991. The mandated annual event serves as “An avenue for showcasing the artistic excellence of Pilipinos and paying tribute to the uniqueness and diversity of our nation’s heritage and culture, in general.”

As conceptualized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), this year’s celebration banners the theme, “ANI NG SINING, BUNGA NG GALING”, which “highlights excellence in the arts as both a source of bounty despite challenging times and a product of the passion of Pilipino artists and cultural workers. It underscores artistic excellence, and the resilience and sheer tenacity of the Arts Sector in thriving amidst adversity.”

From being a mere trainee at the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Mary Ann M. Portilla, who specializes in weaving colorful handmade textiles that are used as materials for various wearing apparel, has morphed to become one of the best weavers of the Aruga Handwovens group founded by Ms. Jeannie Bernadette G. Laccay in 2018.

The intricate textile products of the weavers that draw much inspiration from the unique designs and weaving processes of the varied indigenous cultural communities of the province had been showcased in major events here and abroad, including the New York Fashion Week (NYFW) that kicked off just last February 10. The group was also invited to participate in the second leg of the semi-annual Paris Fashion Week (PFW) set to be held this coming September.

Ms. Enida P. Danao, owner and proprietress of the brand “Silnag Horn”, produces unique statement accessories out of byproducts, such as carabao and cow horns and bones sourced out from slaughterhouses, along with meticulously selected scrap shells, wood, and seeds, and other natural materials that are already considered as waste.

She said that her inclination towards this craft was greatly influenced by her grandmother.

The province indeed takes pride that the environment-friendly products of her economic enterprise, which has also been generating livelihood opportunities for her community, had already found their way to North America, Europe, and other Asian countries.

PTC Chairperson Padilla, and Supervising Tourism and Culture Officer Marichelle Orden-Costales, Acting Chief of the Provincial Tourism and Culture Office (PTCO), intimated that the exhibit series and other developmental interventions are tangible manifestations of the continuing support of the PGNV headed by Governor Carlos M. Padilla to the Tourism and Business Sectors.

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