Council convenes to review cultural plan
Talisay City, Negros Occidental — In a major effort to safeguard local heritage and elevate the creative sector, the Talisay City Arts and Culture Council convened on Wednesday, October 21, to review the proposed Three-Year Cultural Development Plan for Talisay City (2027–2029).
Presided over by Assistant City Administrator Ismael Penado, the strategic meeting brought together key stakeholders from local government offices, the education sector, civil society organizations, and the artistic community to align programs, policies, and long-term initiatives geared toward preserving Talisay's cultural identity.
Multi-sectoral collaboration and council roster
The session provided a collaborative platform to ensure that local art development, historical preservation, and cultural education are seamlessly integrated across municipal departments and civil society:
- Legislative leadership — Sangguniang Panlungsod Members Wilfred Malan and Emmanuel Ebro.
- Cultural and heritage officers — Culture and Heritage Consultant Chona Gosiaoco, Culture and Arts Officer Rene Lacson, and City Tourism Officer Renea Ferrer.
- Community and artistic leaders — Dr. Rodolfo Patiño (President, Pasidungog Foundation), Director Jonathan Jurilla, local artist Ramon Delos Santos, and Kenneth Parra (representing the Parish Pastoral Council).
Administrative and institutional integration
To ensure structural and budgetary alignment for the 2027–2029 roadmap, representatives from key government offices, civic groups, and education division leadership participated in the review:
- City government offices — Lorna Gamao (City Budget Office), Cenia Bermejo (City Planning and Development Office), and Julien Miraflor (Public Information Office).
- Education and skills training sector — Dr. Noel Santillan (OIC Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, DepEd), Dr. Romualdo Battalones (OIC Chief Education Supervisor, DepEd), and Amy Estores (TESDA).
- Civic organizations — Richmond Yanson and Matthew Mendoza representing JCI.
Preserving local identity
The draft 2027–2029 Cultural Development Plan will undergo further refinement to finalize priority projects, funding mechanisms, and community programs aimed at enriching Talisay's historical legacy. Under the administration's Gwapa nga Panghimanwa governance framework, LGU Talisay remains committed to ensuring that economic progress goes hand in hand with preserving the city's rich cultural heritage.