2nd One Visayas exhibit set for 2010

CEBU, Philippines – The second One Visayas Culture and Arts Expo will be held next year instead of the previously agreed 2011.

This was decided by the joined Regional Development Councils of Regions 6, 7 and 8 after Capiz Governor Victor Tanco wanted to host the event during the National and Provincial Arts Month in February.

A brainchild of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, the One Visayas was launched last October when the heads of the three Regional Development Councils came to Cebu and began threshing out details to bring together nearly 20 provinces under one roof.

Tanco wrote Garcia, who is the chairwoman of the Regional Development Committee, that he was so happy that the committee chose Capiz to be the next venue of the event that strengthened the cultural bond between the different provinces in the Visayas region.

 “For the purpose of not breaking the momentum and spirit brought by the success of the First One Visayas in Cebu, I would like to request you and the members of the RDCom to transfer the celebration in February 2010 instead of 2011,” Tanco said in his letter.

According to Tanco, the month of February is “the most opportune time since we will also be celebrating the National and Provincial Arts Month.”

Gov. Salvacion Perez, chairman of RDC 6, and Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento, chairman of RDC 8, and other members of the RDC were present during the meeting held recently at the Capitol Social Hall.

The One Visayas project was conceptualized during a recent meeting in Iloilo City of heads of the RDCs of Eastern, Central and Western Visayas.

With the theme “One People, One Vision,” this “mother of all festivals” allows homegrown talents to perform, demonstrate or talk about the different native, indigenous visual arts, theater, film, architecture, literature and being Visayan. Garcia said the project aims to strengthen the cultural bond among the different islands in the region. — Garry B. Lao/BRP (THE FREEMAN)