SENATE President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023 presided over the hearing of the Committee on Culture and the Arts on various bills seeking to strengthen the protection and conservation of the Philippine cultural heritage.

Legarda stressed the importance of protecting the country’s cultural heritage amid changing times.

“I believe that culture is the narrative that binds us as a nation, and it is something we owe to our ancestors and heroes who built the Philippines as it is today,” Legarda said.

“It is important to give meaning to what being a Filipino means,” she added.

Among the bills tackled by the committee were Senate Bill No. (SBN) 622, authored by Legarda; SBN 117, filed by Sen. Nancy Binay; SBN 1094, filed by Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr.. The bills call for the integration of cultural mapping and cultural heritage education program in the National Cultural Heritage Act (Republic Act No. 10066).

The panel also took up Legarda’s SBN 624, which seeks to establish an institute for living traditions; and SBN 242, which seeks to institutionalize cultural education in the Philippine educational system.

“We believe that these steps are crucial in our goal of harmonizing our diverse identities and building a nation that is rich and proud,” Legarda said.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ WELFARE:

During the hybrid hearing, Sen. Robinhood Padilla threw his support behind several measures promoting the welfare of the indigenous peoples (IPs).

Padilla said the freedom that our ancestors fought for in the past would all be in vain if Filipinos neglect the welfare of the IPs.

“It’s high time to revive discussions on providing protection for and upholding the welfare of IPs in the country,” Padilla said.

Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito lauds Senate President Pro-Tempore Loren Legarda for promoting Filipino culture and heritage, which he notes are significant in strengthening the country’s identity.

“Probably this is one of the things that is lacking in our country…love of history, love of culture and heritage which are very significant in strengthening patriotism and our identity as Filipinos,” Ejercito said as he expressd support for several measures seeking to strengthen the conservation and protection of the country’s cultural heritage through education programs and cultural mapping.