Cultural richness of Cordova
Theater arts group in Cordova is very much alive. The support of the local government units is the driving force behind the enthusiasm of the group whose concerted aim is to convey messages in a unique way. What I have sowed in the past to my high school students has impacted a strong desire for them to have it experienced by others.
Such a reuniting experience with my former student, Mary Therese Sitoy Cho, vice mayor of Cordova, whose great task to develop the town is shared by her father Adelino Sitoy, who is a stalwart and defender of Cebuano language. As a member of the Provincial Cebuano Language Commission, working with Mayor Sitoy is both enriching and rewarding. The father-daughter tandem is very instrumental for my initial glimpse of Cordova's cultural undertakings.
Last July 15 and 23, 2014, I conducted a theater arts workshop to fifty-six members of Cordova National High School Theater Arts Guild. I am grateful to the people who have helped the activity worthwhile. Thanks to the school's theater arts guild adviser Vonn Clyde C. Nunez, my former high school student who is the heritage adviser, Maria Fe Gonzaga Tiro, and their school administrator, Mr. Ronil D. Manayon.
The power of theater in bringing people into action is immeasurable. It drives them to a unified action. It influences and transforms people to attain their shared goals. It serves as a vehicle for them to articulate their aspirations in life. From an assumed or simulated situation, the group can realize what would be ways to actualize what they aspire for.
For the students, it brings out the courage in them to face others. Providing them with relevant and authentic situations, they participated. The dynamic environment provides them with rich experiences. Be it sad or happy, they use these experiences in dealing with life's realities.
Cordova has undergone several trials. The social menace of cyberpornography has lured national and international attention. Calling for the protection of the children, parents who are supposed to protect their children are the very persons pushing their children to engage in. The oil spill brought about by the collision of two vessels has also brought damage to this coastal town. The after effects of that incident have brought long-term damage to lives and livelihood of this village community.
But despite challenging times, they still manage to face their day-to-day lives. And that every challenge, there is way to stand up and move on.
Side by side with dealing life's harshness and the continuing aim of the local politicians for tangible development is the move for increased cultural awareness among the constituents.
The challenge of equipping the mindset of our youth to make better choices, to develop creativity and fluidity, to make them realize their worth and reinvent themselves are all unrelenting. Theater is a good path for our students to hone their artistic talents, giving them a sense of confidence, leadership and teamwork. Teamwork widens their creativity and resourcefulness.
This is my way of empowering our young-to have their voices heard by building first self-confidence so they can have the power to speak up and let others know that they too have the power to change their community. Because after all, they will soon be facing the greater challenge when their time comes to lead the community. And this is where transcendence and preservation of heritage through the promotion of arts and culture emerges.
This is the kind of youth we want, not preoccupied with the competing superficialities but responding to the challenges of time. They are willing to heed the challenge by equipping themselves with the necessary tools for empowerment. This is very possible when we have local and community leaders whose hearts and minds are very much into youth development and empowerment. They are the kind of leaders who prioritize and pave the way for the future generation.
Proliferating this local effort to other communities means sharing a personal vision and commitment. Commendable efforts of the local executives, Padayon Cordova!
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