Balaba proposes Sonampat Festival Week to promote local arts and culture

During the regular session of the 20th City Council on Monday, presided over by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, Councilor Joyleen Mercedes L. Balaba delivered a special report lauding the success of the Higalaay Festival and proposed that the last week of March be declared as Sonampat Festival Week.

Balaba, who chaired the first Sonampat event during the Higalaay Festival, expressed her deep appreciation for music with ethnic rhythms and her commitment to uplifting local music, arts, and products.

She shared her pride in meeting OPM icons such as Joey Ayala, Datu Waway Saway, Bayang Barrios, and Dong Abay, as well as local talents like Dodong Abrio and the Viajeros, Haring Gangis of Iligan, and Ato Mariano, who is regarded as the father of earth music.

"Dakong garbo sa atong syudad na kining mga globally renowned artists, some of whom were nominees for national artists this year, were here to help us better understand and appreciate our rich culture and heritage," Balaba stated.

She emphasized the importance of these artists' contributions to educating and inspiring the younger generation to compose music, cultivate creativity in visual arts, and appreciate indigenous Filipino scripts, including the ancient Baybayin alphabet.

The Sonampat event, an initiative of the Gender and Development Office under City Mayor Klarex Uy, alongside Sheila Lumbatan and Sol Mosqueda, aimed to encourage the community to express their talents and sentiments through various artistic forms.

"Arts and development should go hand in hand," Balaba remarked, stressing that true development can only be achieved when the richness of history, culture, and heritage is recognized.

In her proposal, Councilor Balaba suggested that establishing a dedicated Sonampat Festival Week would create an environment that fosters appreciation for local arts, allowing more local artists to thrive.

"Importante gyud na mahibaw-an nato ang atong kagikan aron usab na mahibaw-an nato kung asa atong padulngan," she added.

The report was referred to the City Council Committee on Tourism and the City Historical Commission of the city for further recommendation.