HOW CAN WE HARNESS THE PRACTICAL IMPACT OF ART IN REAL-WORLD CONTEXTS?
Addressing this challenge raises questions about how platforms like VivaExcon can serve as inclusive spaces for our marginalized farmers and fisherfolks. It prompts us to explore avenues for amplifying their voices while forging connections and collaborations among fisherfolk, local government units (LGUs), and various organizations and institutions.
It prompts a fundamental question: In what ways can art facilitate a convergence of perspectives and actions, paving the way for constructive and valuable partnerships? Recognized as the Philippines’ biggest and longest-running art biennale, VIVA ExCon stands as a unique coming together of artists aimed at spotlighting the rich culture of the Visayas region. This event encompasses an art exhibition, forums, lectures, meetings, roundtable discussions, outdoor installations, and public performances, making it an unparalleled celebration of artistic expression and cultural representation.
Our recent participation in ILAWOD, ILAYA Community Projects as part of this year’s 17th Viva Excon held at the DENR-Penro building along Malandog River in Antique, facilitated an open dialogue and provided a platform for the voices of fisherfolk communities across diverse Visayan islands. It allowed these communities to collectively address and discuss the challenges they share. Meeting the Malandog Fisherfolks along with various stakeholders, fisherfolk representatives, and leaders created a space for these narratives, forming dialogues about coastal challenges. An open forum followed to discuss and to share stories beyond the surface of events and allowing an understanding of the fisherfolk’s realities. This resonated with GOODLand’s commitment to uniting communities and advocating for policies that safeguard the environment and natural resources through purposeful collaborations with Local Government Units.
The participation of the youth was an important aspect of these dialogues, with students from Cebu Technical University—Emman John Jamili and Aldrin Dacumos—alongside Peter Jamili, a youth from Mambacayao Dako, and Roxanne Carano-o from Madridejos Community College. They shared their own experiences as young individuals in Bantayan Island, actively advocating for their lands and the environment. They used their voices to be an example of the interconnectedness of generations in the collective effort to navigate the complexities of coastal living. Rowel L Saldajeno Jr., currently a BS Fisheries student from University Of Antique youth representative from Malandog, son of Rowel Saldajeno who is a Fisherfolk leader, added his perspective to the dialogue. The convergence of diverse voices in this setting showed how art can transcend its traditional role and become a space for collaboration. By situating this event within the context of VivaExcon, it becomes evident that art platforms can serve as dynamic arenas where meaningful connections between marginalized communities, government entities, and organizations are forged, contributing to the realization of valuable collaborations on the ground.
As we move forward, the stories shared and the connections forged in ILAWOD and ILAYA stand as a testament to the power of collaboration, understanding, and collective action. GOODLand remains steadfast in its dedication to uniting communities, advocating for policies, and ensuring a coexistence with the environment where communities thrive. The echoes of these dialogues will continue to guide our efforts, inspiring positive change for the well-being of coastal communities across the Visayan islands.
Special thanks and appreciation go to the following individuals for their contributions to ILAWOD, ILAYA Community Projects, an initiative of Green Papaya Art Projects: The ILAWOD, ILAYA Community Projects was initiated through the efforts of Giah De los Reyes, its program director, as a result of her coordination with GOODLand in Bantayan island, and fieldwork in Guimaras island, Barangay Odiong in Sibalom and in the Malandog fishing community in Antique. The convergence of the Bantayan and Malandog fishing communities, a VIVA ExCon Antique 2023 community program was organized and moderated by her. Bryan Liao: Festival Director of VIVA ExCon Antique 2023. His support plays a crucial role in the success of this initiative. We express our gratitude to everyone involved for their commitment and support in making ILAWOD, ILAYA Community Projects a reality.
SUBA SA IRAYA: The 17th edition of Viva ExCon, with the theme “Crosscurrent” (or “Counterflow”), marks a significant shift in the cultural landscape. For the very first time, the 17th Edition of Viva ExCon graces Antique with its presence, weaving a tapestry of artistic expression and innovation against the backdrop of this culturally rich province. “Crosscurrent” invites participants and attendees to explore the convergence of diverse artistic currents and dynamic dialogue that transcends and pushes the boundaries of creative exploration. #VIVAExConAntique2023 #VIVAExConSubaSaIraya #VIVAExCon17
To learn more about VIVA ExCon Antique 2023, head over to their website: The Bantayan Group of Islands is located between the Visayan Sea and the Tanon Straight in the center of the Philippines. This archipelago is divided into three separate municipalities. The islanders mainly depend on the sea for their livelihood, thus these islands consist of many coastal fishing communities.