LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – This province is requesting the National Commission on Culture and the Arts to fund the project proposals of various towns aimed at preserving the customary practices of their people.

Brian Camhit, member of the Committee of Northern Cultural Communities-NCCA Benguet, said eight proposals were submitted for screening and approval by the NCCA Executive Committee.

These proposals are the Eco-Tourism and Bendiyan Festival of Kabayan; Cultural Day of Kapangan; cultural awareness seminar workshop series in Kabayan; Ibadoy, Kalanguya, Kankanaey vocabulary translation; School of Living Tradition (SLT) on performing arts (phase I) of Kabayan; SLT on performing arts of Ampusongan National High School, Bakun; SLT on Ibaloi performing arts (phase I) of Kiwas Elementary School; First Bokod Climb of the Association of Bokod Adventure, Eco-Guides, Incorporated (Abadeg) in Bokod, preservation of Ibaloi culture and traditions of Wangal Elementary School, La Trinidad; and SLT on Ibaloi Patda Embroidery (phase II) of Kapangan.

Funds for these proposals are under the NCCA competitive grant program for 2013.

Camhit said priorities are given to the preservation of dying cultures such as dances and playing of instruments, mostly performed by elder folks.

The NCCA’s thrusts and priorities lie in preserving heritage, culture, and traditions in the form of grants accorded to artists, arts organizations, non-government organizations, private organizations, and national government agencies pursuant to its vision,  “Filipino culture as the wellspring of national and global well-being.”

Camhit said slots for grants are now limited because project proposals are screened before these are approved to determine the best project based on compliance to eligibility requirements and other additional requirements depending on the category they fall under.

He said SLT the Patda Embroidery on Ibaloi/Kankanaey clothing; SLT on Ibaloi performing arts of Itogon; Anitap Festival; and the Bendiyan Festival are already being implemented.