For the first time, artworks and photo masterpieces of officials and employees of the Department of Agriculture (DA) are featured in its week-long KaLIKHAsan Art and Photo exhibit and Music festival.

Framed photographs, colorful canvases, and other themed paintings were highlighted in the opening of the exhibit on Wednesday, in collaboration with the ARTipolo group.

Jobelle Villanueva, 31, DA-Office of the Secretary staff and one of the featured artists, expressed her delight as her masterpiece themed “equilibrium” found its spot in the KaLIKHAsan exhibit for a cause.

“So, when I was informed that the benefit of this photo and art exhibit will be going to the legal funds, I was amazed kasi (because) at least I can contribute what I did during my last semester in law school,” she told the Philippine News Agency.

Villanueva said her art expression simply shows how she finds a balance between work, law school, and her passion as an artist.

She also appreciated fellow agricultural employees who are also fond of the arts.

“Hindi namin ine-expect kasi na marami palang (We are not expecting there are a lot of) DA staff that are interested in terms of art,” Villanueva said.

“Malaki ang relevance niya (It has great relevance) in terms of mental health. So, at least they appreciate the essence of art na hindi lang kami naka-focus (that we are not only focused) in terms of agriculture, we also focused on the talents.”

Fundraising

DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra, who also joined the exhibit with her abstract entry, lauded fellow DA officials and employees for joining their innovative fundraising activity.

“Through our art, we are able to express our interest and passion as well,” she said in a speech.

Guevarra said the exhibit will serve as an avenue to help aid DA personnel who are currently in need, with half of the amount per art piece granted to them.

Besides Guevarra, other DA officials who have showcased their works include DA Administrative Service Director Roland Tulay and Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Director Remelyn Recoter.

Meanwhile, participants from DA attached agencies include Gian Carlo Luague, Dominique Romen, and Pamela Ruth Arciaga from the Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (AFID); Ana Victoria Margallo from the Philippine Rural Development Project; Alma Almonte from the Administrative Service; and Marlon Demo-os and Sharisse Atacador from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the initiative is DA’s “creative” reinforcement amid challenges faced in the agriculture sector.

“Alam kong busy tayong lahat sa pagpapatupad ng mandato ng DA sa pagsisilbi sa ating mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at iba pang sektor ng agrikultura. Kaya nagagalak ako at nagpapasalamat na binigyan niyo ng panahon ito para makita ang inyong (I know that you are all busy in implementing our mandate to serve the farmers, fishers, and other agriculture sector. That’s why I’m glad and thankful that you have spared some time to show your) creative side,” he said in a speech.

Free workshops

Meanwhile, the ARTipolo Group, Inc., DA’s KaLIKHAsan partner, is set to conduct free art workshops at the DA-Main Office in Quezon City on Oct. 4.

“Magbibigay kami ngayon ng workshop sa mga empleyado para magkaroon ng therapy sa sobrang stress. Ito po ay nakaka-relax (We will grant free workshops for employees to have therapy from excessive stress. This is relaxing)” ARTipolo president Pol Medina said.

“Kaya po pumayag kami (That’s why we agreed) to give a workshop for free para lahat po ay matutong mag-appreciate ng (so that everybody can learn to appreciate) painting.”

Medina also echoed their group’s advocacy to help those in need through the form of art, underscoring its essence in radiating peace despite challenges.

“Naniniwala po kami na ang art ay isang bagay na makakatulong po sa ating bayan. Kung lahat ng Pilipino ay magiging artist, wala nang giyera o banggaan (We believe that art is beneficial for our community. If all Filipinos will be artists, there will be no more war or conflicts),” he added.

The DA’s KaLIKHAsan will be open for viewing until Oct. 4, with a music festival also set on the said date. (PNA)