A saltpot-making workshop conducted by the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP)-Bohol draws attention to the homegrown Asin Tibuok.
Bannered as “Hulma”, the master potter’s guided workshop on Bohol’s pottery heritage is a series held in collaboration with the provincial government’s Center for Culture and Arts Development (CCAD).
The initiative also aligns with this year’s National Heritage Month Celebration theme: “Championing Heritage: Capacity Building to Transform Communities.”
The event commenced with plenary sessions held at the NMP-Bohol on May 10 with participants particularly students from various schools in Bohol.
The sessions include comprehensive lecture covering various aspects of pottery art and design with a hands-on demonstration and workshop.
Alexandra De Leon, NMP archeology division senior museum researcher, talked on interpreting the past through pottery while Rhayan Melendres, University of the Philippines professor, tackled Bohol ceramic traditions and ethnoarchaeological research in Visayas.
Local historian and professor Marianito Jose Luspo presented visual motifs of pre-hispanic Bohol pottery and Aba Lluch Dalena, a renowned multi-faceted artist, gave her testimony on earthen origins to artistic expressions.
Complementing the on-going efforts of revitalizing the Asin Tibuok salt-making tradition, Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado gave his message of support delivered by Joanne Pinat, Bohol Provincial Tourism Office officer-in-charge.
“It is now upon us to shape our narrative through the protection of important intangible cultural heritage such as Asin Tibuok and the salt-pot making tradition of ku’n, which is currently endangered,” Aumentado said.
He added that as Bohol aspires to become a smart, resilient, and inclusive province under the Strategic Change Agenda of the provincial government, he encouraged to not only develop local economy and society, but also improve and elevate the Boholano culture.
A call for the revitalization of pottery traditions of Bohol, the workshop will continue with basic techniques in clay molding on May 11 and a masterclass on saltpot making to be held in Albuquerque.
A mother’s day special on ‘Hulma: Hinulma sa Gugma ni Nanay” will also be conducted on May 12 in NMP-Bohol, to be participated with mothers featuring Dalena and multi-disciplinary artist, Yllang Montenegro.
Rachelle Lacea, NMP-Bohol office head, gave the welcome remarks and statement of purpose.
Athena Vitor of Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage Council; Jan Roneal Elorde, Albuquerque planning assistant; Mark Steven Pandan, Holy Name University College of Education faculty; Ralph Vincent Centillas of Bohol Island State University, and Dalena gave insights during the open forum. (PIMO/JSS)