Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta on Arts and Culture

Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta on Session (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

As the Chairperson of the Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Arts and Culture, Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta pushed for the creation of the City Ordinance No. 0194-04 also known as the Davao City Culture and Arts Council. 

As per Republic Act 7160 which declares that the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall establish a City Council whose purpose is the promotion of culture and arts, coordinate with government agencies and non-government organizations. This council is chaired by the City Mayor and is co-chaired by a representative from the private sector duly appointed by the City Mayor.

The functions of this committee is to plan and promote cultural and artistic activities in the community, conduct a coordinated and collaborative planning for the City's cultural development programs, stimulate and implement artistic activities by encouraging collaboration of activities, develop linkages with national and international institutions, preserve and promote the traditional arts of Davao City and develop a program for local artists. 

This ordinance was proposed by Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta and was approved by the majority of the members of the council. 

As of today, Culture and Arts council does it's duty and responsibility for the people of Davao.

BALAY BALAY TA!

(Photo credit: Team Acosta)

Coun. Mabel Sunga Acosta checking out the 3D puzzles (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

Last August 28, a prototype 3D Architectural Puzzle was introduced at the Abreeza Ayala Mall. The exhibit called “Balay Balay Ta!” (Let’s Play House!) was an educational event exhibiting the uniqueness of grand ancestral house of the Maranao royalty.

3D puzzle architecture model (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

(Photo credit: Team Acosta)

The Balay-Balay 3D architecture puzzle was designed by Kim Vale, a Fine Arts graduate of the Ford Academy of the Arts in Davao City. The puzzle design was based on published studies of the Torogan by the late Maranao scholar Dr. Abdullah T. Madaleas, as well as the architecture thesis, who just recently graduate from UP Mindanao, Henna S. Dazo, who surveyed the existing Torogan in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

Puzzles (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

3D puzzle architecture model (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

Architect Gloryrose Dy, Balay-Balay 3D Architecture Puzzles project head, and also an alumna of the University of the Philippines-Mindanao, proposed the project to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) last year, with the main goal to create an educational toy that would engage children in learning and appreciating Filipino architecture and crafts.

In cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and Swito Designs - children were taught about traditional architectural designs by the indigenous peoples such as the Maranao. The craft is also known for its intricately carved beam-ends called panalong with okir designs.

(Photo credit: Team Acosta)

Coun. Mabel Sunga Acosta (Photo credit: Team Acosta)