𝐂𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐙𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭

The Province of Cavite, through the Office of the Provincial Tourism Officer, hosted the 4th CALABARZON Culture Summit dubbed as “Hibla ng Kamalayan” – Paghahabi ng Malikhaing Diwa: Weaving the Creative Spirit of CALABARZON” on October 23, at the International Convention Center, Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite.

The annual summit gathered hundreds of participants from various local government units, the academe, and other cultural stakeholders across Region IV-A, all united in their commitment to preserve, promote, and enrich the region’s diverse cultural heritage.

The event formally open through the welcome remarks delivered by Dr. Ma. Agnes P. Nuestro, President of Cavite State University, expressing her gratitude to the Provincial Government of Cavite and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for choosing CvSU as the venue of this year’s gathering. She highlighted the importance of academic institutions in safeguarding culture and heritage, emphasizing that universities play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of culture bearers and creative leaders.

This was followed by the opening remarks delivered by Ms. Caroline B. Mizal, Head of NCCA Planning and Policy Office, on behalf of Ms. Marichu G. Tellano, Deputy Executive Director of the NCCA. In her message, Ms. Mizal, underscored the significance of the summit as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and dialogue among culture and arts advocates in the region. She noted that weaving the creative spirit of CALABARZON is not just about preserving traditions but also about strengthening the region’s identity through shared stories and artistic expressions.

Representing Cavite Governor Francisco Gabriel D. Remulla, Ms. Elinia Imelda Rozelle Sangalang, Provincial Tourism Officer delivered the message of support, extending the Governor’s appreciation to all participants and partner institutions for their active role in advancing Cavite’s and the region’s cultural agenda. She also reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s continuous commitment to promoting cultural awareness, creative industries, and heritage preservation across Cavite and beyond.

The summit featured a rich lineup of lectures and discussions led by distinguished experts and cultural advocates who shared valuable insights on Filipino culture, heritage, and development. The speakers included Prof. Felipe “Jun” De Leon, Jr., former NCCA Chairperson; Ms. Caroline B. Mizal; Ms. Ricamela Palis, Chairperson of Artist, Inc.; Mr. Phillip Norbert Ahmad L. Medina, President of the Silang Historical Society; EnP. Lorenz G. Palec of Palec and Amigos Urban Enviro; Mr. Joether A. Francisco from Cavite State University; Mr. Guillermo Ramos, Jr., Managing Director and Founder of the Ugnayan Center for Filipino Gastronomy; and Dr. Carlos P. Buasen, Jr., Regional Director of NCIP IV-A. An engaging open forum followed, allowing participants to interact and exchange perspectives with the speakers.

Another exciting highlight of the event was the announcement of winners for the Digital Photography and Logo-Making Contests, which showcased the creativity and cultural passion of CALABARZON’s artists. Mr. Jeffrey Sandoval won the grand prize in the Digital Photography Contest for his entry “Mga Kamay ng Pamanang Buhay”, while Christopher Macerin emerged as the grand prize winner in the Logo-Making Contest for his design that captured the spirit of cultural unity and creativity across the region.

The summit also featured vibrant cultural intermissions that added color and rhythm to the event, with captivating performances by the CvSU Chorale Ensemble, CvSU Cultural Dance Group, Las Cuerdas Caviteños–Rondalla, ARTIST, Inc., and some Indigenous Peoples from Tanay, Rizal.

One of the event’s most anticipated moments was the turnover ceremony of hosting responsibilities to the Provincial Government of Laguna, which will serve as the next host of the CALABARZON Culture Summit.

The program concluded on an inspiring note with Mr. Edward Perez, CALABARZON SCC Co-Chairperson, leading the closing segment, capped off by a heartfelt performance from ARTIST, Inc. The event truly embodied the summit’s theme—weaving the creative spirit of CALABARZON—celebrating the region’s shared heritage, creativity, and collective cultural pride. — OPIO