By Cyrus A. Natividad

Raising our flag, the Centralian way – The Central Philippine University Dance Company (CPUDC), under the Cultural Affairs Office, headed by Director Crista S. Huyong is bringing back its International Cultural Exchange Program, after almost four (4) years of interruption due to the pandemic. The cultural exchange takes place in Kawachinagano City in Osaka, Japan.

The activity, according to Prof. Dyran Lero, CAO Artistic Director and Dance Company Adviser, “will resume with 15 student dancers enrolled from different departments of CPU.” The Dean of the College of Education, Dr. Merle L. Junsay is also involved in the said project.

Lero was in Manila last week to apply for visas for the participants at the Japanese Embassy and was happy to announce that they were granted by the embassy after a thorough inquiry about the group.

Part of the CPUDC annual exchange program this year is showcasing the third chapter of “Saludo” which is expected to be a colorful chapter of Philippine culture on June 17, 2023, in the evening at the Kawachinagano International Civic Centre building.

The group was invited by the international social welfare associations as a guest performer at Yui Terrace in Izumiya City for their annual Tanagare Fiesta. The dance festival will be participated by dance performers from different schools in Japan. They represent the culture and traditions of Filipinos in Japan.

The annual exchange program is covered by a memorandum of agreement between the Kawachinagano International Friendship Association (KIFA) and Central Philippine University. Prof. Lero was awarded a lifetime membership by the group.