Lundugan Ng Kalimangang Pilipino (National Cultural Heritage of the Philippines)

By: Joe Mauricio

 

SENTRO RIZAL is named in honor of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Philippines’ National Hero. As a means of attaining its goal, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas has made use of digital media in disseminating Filipiniana spirit for overseas Filipinos, called “Virtual Sentro Rizal”.

Here’s a brief history of Sentro Rizal: In celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Jose Rizal, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), formally established the Philippines’ very first Sentro Rizal at the NCCA Building in Intramuros, Manila on June 28, 2011. It is currently headed by Dr. Virgilio Almario as Chairman.

Sentro Rizal was recognized by the virtue of Section 42 of Republic Act 10066, known as “National Culture Heritage Act of 2009, which specifies a Center “whose main purpose is the promotion of Philippine arts, culture, and language throughout the world.

Moreover, Section 43 of the same law states that the Sentro Rizal “shall be the repository of materials on Philippine arts, culture and language, books, digital videos, compact discs, films, magazines, tourism promotion materials, information materials, etc., that shall be made available to the people, both Filipino and foreign individuals.” Sentro Rizal shall also organized cultural programs and activities for the Filipinos, especially for the children overseas, to promote Philippine culture and the arts.

Sentro Rizal envisions to reach out to culturally literate overseas Filipino communities, and to act as the balangay, which provides overseas Filipinos and their children the means to connect to their roots in instilling a strong sense of nationhood and pride among them in being Filipinos.

The historical soft launching in Chicago was held in November 15, 2017, with the official representation from the Philippine Consulate General of Chicago headed by Consul General Generoso DG Calonge. The official agreement between the Filipino American Council of Chicago for the Rizal Center headed by Executive Director Elaine Lehman and NACC’s Dr. Virgilio Almario, Chairman, was signed last November 6, 2017 in the Republic of the Philippines. The official inauguration of Sentro Rizal at Chicago’s Rizal Center is scheduled in February, 2018.

Official ribbon cutting of Sentro Rizal wall by Consul General Gene Calonge, assisted by Consul Romulo Israel, Jr., Elaine Lehman, FACC Executive Director and Liezel Alcantara, Philippine Consulate General. Looking on is Dr. Rufino Crisostomo, FACC immediate Board Chair.

VT/CPRTV’s Joe Mauricio & Veronica Leighton posing by the wall of Sentro Rizal sign and Rizal bust.

Philippine Consul General Generoso DG Calonge, addressing the attendees about Sentro Rizal.

FACC Executive Director Elaine Lehman addressing the group about Sentro Rizal.