The much awaited art projects under the recent Sikatugyaw Art Festival is now officially open to the public, the Red Hankie Lane in a private road connected to Rizal Avenue and the Baroto Art installation at the Eulalia Park.
The two projects were blessed by Rev. Fr. Pepito Rollo, the parish rector of Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa last March 10, 2020, and was followed by the ceremonial ribbon cutting headed by Palawan Vice Governor Dennis Socrates along with Provincial Board Member Anton Alvarez, City Councilor Matthew Mendoza and Palawan manager for Culture and Arts Program Ceasar Sammy Magbanua.
These art projects are in partnership with the art community of Palawan that consist of Guhit Pinas, Art on the Move Artists and the Palawan Artist Collective.
“Unang una nagpapasalamat tayo sa mga naging partner natin dito, sa komunidad ng ating mga magagaling na mga artist, Palawan Artist Collective at yung Guhit Pinas na nagkaisa sila at ginawa nila ito para sa ating komunidad. Kung hindi dahil sa kanilang pakikiisa, bilang tulong nila sa ating lungsod ng Puerto Princesa para madagdagan ang ating mga tourism destination, dito ay nagkaisa sila at ginawa nila ito na practically libre tapos walang ginastos ang gobyerno dito kunti lamang. At ito ay pinapasalamatan natin ng husto,” Magbanua said.
The Baroto is the symbol of Palawan culture as a coastal province where people have a unique relationship with the sea. It is also a statement of the ongoing dream of freely navigating the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The Red Hankie Lane is a code name of the late Trinidad Mendoza, the wife of Palawan provincial hero, Gov. Higinio Mendoza.
“Ang art kasi malaking factor siya na maliban sa merong makita ang turista, ano din sya, nakakadagdag yan sa identity ng lugar. So kung may art ang lugar mas mabilis ang appreciation dun sa isang lugar,” Jonathan Benitez of Palawan Artists Collective said during the separate ceremony for the opening of Red Hankie Lane and Baroto Art Installation.
