Preserving historical and cultural heritage
ANGARA PROMOTES RP'S CULTURE AND ARTS AMID CRISIS

Senator Edgardo J Angara today stressed that culture becomes even more important at a time of economic hardship thus giving importance to the promotion of arts and culture of the Philippines, a home of talented artists and host to a rich cultural heritage.

"Both psychology experts and economic analysts have discovered that during economic depression and looming crises, two industries have thrived: movies and telecommunication. When times are bad, people look for ways to reconnect with a deeper, common meaning and shared identities. With the economy in a swan-dive, arts and culture can provide some psychological relief to people, in addition to policies that seek to prop up the economy," said Angara who authored the laws which created the National Museum and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

He added, "Culture defines our national identity, mirrors and shapes our values, beliefs and aspirations as a people, and is our link to our rich past and a useful guide for the future. It is, therefore, plain good sense to preserve our historical and cultural heritage to prevent cultural bankruptcy."

The senator, an ardent supporter of culture and the arts, said that the people of Baler is proud to showcase its heritage and culture to the Filipino nation.

The heritage bill which was authored by Angara will institute mechanisms for better management of cultural properties, institutionalization of Heritage Zones, more efficient documentation of traditional and contemporary arts, and the initiation of a Cultural Heritage Education Program in schools.

Angara also said that the current crisis should also serve as a challenge to our artists to raise their game artistically, explore creative new marketing and promotion strategies and find ways to inspire and serve their audiences even better. To flourish artistically, we must be innovative, disciplined, focused, and more self-reliant than before.

"Amidst the economic turmoil gripping our nation, arts and culture is one way of affirming our identity and celebrating our country's rich heritage - one of our truest wealth as a people," added Angara.