By Cyrus A. Natividad

Newly appointed officials of ICCA took their Oath of Office with Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor,Jr. at the Governor’s Office at Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

Two Centralians were recently inducted by Governor Arthur ‘Toto’ Defensor, Jr. on August 15, 2022 at the Governor’s Office, Iloilo Capitol as Officers in the newly organized ILONGGO COMMISSION FOR CULTURE AND THE ARTS (ICCA). The two who are from Central Philippine University are Rhode Ryan A. Velez as Vice President, and Dr. Necil C. Magno, as Member of the Board of Directors.

The organization was founded by Ilonggo Artists and called the Ilonggo Commission for Culture and the Arts (ICCA), a non-government, non-profit organization that aims as to discover, preserve and promote Ilonggo Culture through research and implementation of programs that help Ilonggo Artist in the field of Arts.

According to Dr. Magno, “The Commission, is in partnership with private organization and government agencies in the City and Province. It will maximize its promotion and preservation of Ilonggo culture and arts through projects, programs and series of events. ICCA is Ilonggo’s ‘go to’ organization when it comes to the field of Arts and Culture.”

“Its objectives include Research and Development to preserve and promote Ilonggo Culture and Arts; to serve as a policy making body of Ilonggo culture and arts; to support Ilonggo Artists and Cultural Groups; to serve as Coordinating body for Ilonggo Cultural and Live Events, Festivals, Arts and Culture Education, and create and implement programs to enhance and preserve Ilonggo identity through culture and the arts.”

She added that “There is a series of events of ICCA to follow: 1. September 10, 2022 (Saturday) “TUNOG ILONGGO” 1st Ilonggo Folksong Band Competition; 2. November 14- 15, 2022 (Iloilo Convention Center) “ILOILO ANG BANWA KO” a musical dance drama 3. February 20 to 24, 2023-1st National Festival Summit, and 4. February 25, 2023 (Iloilo Convention Center) “PAGDAYAW” 1st Ilonggo Artists Awards.