La Trinidad Benguet: Four Bachelor for Culture and Arts Education (BCAED) and one Bachelor for Physical Education (BPEd) faculty members of the College of Education SLUC served as resource speakers in the National Convention of the Association for Culture and Arts Education (ACAEP) which was held at Benguet State University on October 3-7, 2023. The faculty members were Dr. Bienvenido Constantino, Mr. Renan N. Flores, Mr. Benjiel Bryn C. Runas, Mr. Jerson D. Ayuno, and Mr. Kenneth Paul B. Gallema.

Dr. Constantino talked extensively on Cordilleran music, songs, and choral arrangement; Mr. Flores shared his insights on the anthropological foundations of Ilocano culture and music; Mr. Runas discussed on updates on teaching visual arts and appreciation; Mr. Ayuno shared different strategies and techniques in teaching theater arts; and Mr. Gallema shared his knowledge on the different modes and the socio-cultural context of the Cordilleran gangsa instrument.

Attendees at the said convention include different private and public schools, colleges, and universities such as Cebu Normal College, Sorsogon State University, Nueva Vizcaya State University, Philippine Science High School, University of Baguio, Lyceum of the Philippines Davao, Northwestern Mindanao College of Science and Technology, Pangasinan State University, Benguet State University, and Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University.

Dr. Constantino, also the President of the nationwide organization, said that for the Filipino identity to be alive, arts education must be reinforced among students nationwide to propagate a strong view on nationalism, respect, values, and dignity.

“This will facilitate the growth of our natural genius, which is essential in economic progress and nation-building,” he said.

The 5-day convention gathered culture and arts educators from all over the country to share knowledge and strengthen ties. It was an exchange of resources and ideas to improve the country’s culture and arts education delivery.

The theme of this year’s convention is “Culture and Arts Across Borders”