by Christine Godinez Ortega
The MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) is one of ten Arts Centers the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) identified recently to “further strengthen its linkages and cooperation with local organizations in the regions through its Cultural Exchange Department”.
A three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed between the Chancellor Sukarno D. Tanggol and the CCP on January 24, 2014 at the CCP, Manila. Cultural Development Office (CDO) Director Zayda O. Macarambon is also attending this event.
The MSU-IIT was chosen as one of ten pilot sites for Kaisa sa Sining: the CCP Regional Arts Centers and University Art Associates in the country because it is an educational institution with “existing structures, programs and facilities” that can “support and sustain various arts and cultural events and activities of the CCP.”
Recently, on September 24-26, 2013, the Institute through its Office of Publication & Information, the Departments of English & Filipino, College of Arts & Social Sciences (CASS), the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (OVCAA) and the CDO hosted the CCP’s Ugnayan sa Sining, a Seminar-Workshop on Creative Writing for students and professionals conducted by writers from the Bicol Region. Earlier, alumni and panelists of the Iligan National Writers Workshop travelled to Naga, Camarines Sur to conduct the Seminar-Workshop on Creative Writing for Bicol writers and students; and in March 2013 the Art for Healing and Transformation or Art Therapy for Sendong victims was also conducted in MSU-IIT.
Since its founding, the MSU-IIT frequently hosted CCP’s Outreach Programs such as its film festivals, cultural performances, and training programs in dance, drama, music and visual arts. While the Institute focuses on science and technology, it has always encouraged its arts and cultural programs to flourish in line with its holistic vision to develop the total human person.
MSU-IIT is home to the arts and cultural groups: Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG); 8VA: the OCTAVA Choral Society; the Kalimulan Cultural Dance Troupe; TINTA, a Visual Arts group with community artists; the Echoes Band; one of five national writers workshops in the country, the 21 year old Iligan National Writers Workshop; and, a host of school/college-based digital film enthusiasts organized by students who have been winning prizes in regional and national competitions such as in the Cinemagis: Cinema Rehiyon and the Cinemalaya Indie Film Festival.
As a pilot site, the CCP seeks “to fortify a dynamic partnership with prominent educational institutions, NGOs and LGUs in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to broaden public participation in the arts, promote and showcase excellence and facilitate a dynamic collaboration between the CCP and the regional centers and universities” which include the following:
LUZON (St. Louis University, Baguio; City Government of Batangas; Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation Inc., Bulacan; Heritage City of Vigan, Ilocos Sur), VISAYAS (Negros Cultural Foundation, Bacolod; Central Philippine University, Iloilo City; Silliman University, Dumaguete City), MINDANAO (Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City; Musikahan sa Tagum Foundation Inc., Tagum City; Arts and Sciences Educator’s Association – Culture and the Arts Region X (ASEACA). From the CCP Press and Information Office for OC-OPI with report from Christine Godinez Ortega
Topics : arts and culture ccp extension program