Art educ in Phl still weak

CEBU, Philippines - Aside from the absence of strong heritage laws, the lack of quality art education teachers is seen as one of the top reasons why art appreciation could not be instilled in the hearts of students.

John L. Silva, executive director of the Ortigas Library, who conducted a lecture on “Growing up in an Art Deco House” recently at the JRG Halad Museum prior to the Gabii sa Kabilin 2013 event, noted that he is upset at the growing number of teachers who don’t show interest even when they guide students to museums.

“It pains me to watch teachers who accompany students to museums, pero sila itong ayaw pumasok. Hinahayaan lang ang mga students on their own inside the museums. Sila nasa labas,” Silva said.

He added that of the estimated 1,500 teachers who have attended his lectures on heritage and culture, only about five percent could retain the details after the discussion. “Kaya hindi nakapagtataka na weakest link talaga ang art education natin sa bansa. Bukod sa embedded ito sa subject na Sibika at Kultura, wala talaga sa puso, kahit sa mga teacher,” he explained.

The concern was raised after observing that the Cebu City Government has done very little about an old lumber store along Leon Kilat Street (the Luzon Lumber), a pre-World War II wooden structure. It was demolished in November to give way to a commercial center.

Silva also encouraged more heritage activists here to solidify a movement to protect and conserve old buildings. “You’ve done greatly though because andiyan pa ang Gotiaoco Building (along M.C. Briones Street). And I learned this will be home to the Sugbu Chinese Museum, that’s great! So if you need to lie down on the streets to prevent the demolition team from tearing down any heritage structure, do so! I’ve done it before and I just hope I won’t die without seeing change,” he further said.

Silva also shared that based on studies, students who are more literate in the arts are three times more active in student affairs and in volunteer work. “Arts-educated students have high scores in math and the sciences and are the ones most likely to succeed in higher learning,” he added.  (FREEMAN)