The MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), through its Cultural Exchange Department, launched an art for healing and transformation program. The program is for the benefit of the survivors of typhoon Sendong and benefits participants from Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, and Dumaguete Cities.
Billed as KALINGA NG SINING, over a thousand young survivors gathered at the MSU-IIT gym last March 10 to take part in an inter-active performance to use the powers of art in renewing lives after the tragedy.
A day earlier, a “memorial” ritual-ceremony and performance at the damaged Mandulog Bridge paid respects and offered prayers to those who perished.
As part of the program, experts were flown in to prepare trainors for community healing through the arts. The experts included Edna Vida-Froilan (dance), Lakan Bunyi (theater), Dr. Grace Evangelista (Clinical Psychology), Peachy Gonzales-Fernando (Clinical Psychology), and Rheeza Hernandez (leaf art creation from Bulacan).
Joining the team are Manila-based artists and groups led by Garry Lim, Bayang Barrios, Waway Saway, Lakan Bunyi, and Novo Concertante. They were joined by local performing groups, the Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG), Octava Choral Society, Echoes, TINTA Artists, and a team of babaylan from Lapuyan-Zamboanga del Sur.
Kalinga ng Sining is hosted by the MSU-IIT Cultural Development Office, the College of Arts & Sciences, and IPAG.