CABARROGUIS, Quirino (PIA)- -  The provincial offices of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya provinces collaborated for the conduct of an Art Camp with the  theme “Exploring Creativity Across Borders,” at the Lower Magat Eco-Tourism Park in Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya recently.

The event was participated by 100 creative minds  from the two provinces, both amateurs and seasoned veteran artists from the different local government units and the academe. 

Both DTI Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Directors Mary Ann C. Dy and  Atty. Michael Paggabao said the theme aimed to promote the creative economy of both provinces and that the “border” is nothing less than an imaginary line which does not really affect the collaborations in fostering creative initiatives for the creative industry.

“The Art Camp serves as a platform for creative minds to connect, collaborate, and inspire each other, reflecting the region's commitment to nurturing its "malikhaing industriya" and cultural heritage,” Dy said.

Furthermore, Dy underscored the importance of having an inspiration in making meaningful art pieces.

“We have to go back to our roots whenever we pursue our creative expressions,” she added. 

Dy further said as one of the major highlights of the activity, the Getting-to-Know portion provided an opportunity to connect and collaborate with other creative minds through the creation of their Group Identity using the different forms of art. 

On the other hand, Shanly Antonio, a multi-awarded Visual Artist from Nueva Vizcaya and a member of the Hardin Creatives, Inc. inspired the participants by  sharing her journey in becoming a creative artist.

“No matter what the age, whether you belong to the young or younger generation, we should freely express ourselves,” Antonio added. 

Likewise, retired Education Supervisor for Music and Arts Education Filemon Ranchez, a multi-awarded artist and one of the Creative Icons of Region 2, also shared his experiences and journey as a musician.

Dr. Ruth Raña Padilla, chairperson of the Regional Tourism Council and  Prof. Elmor  Villaruel, adviser of the Quirino Tourism Council and Quirino Council for Tourism, Culture, and the Arts and also graced the event on behalf of Governors Dakila Carlo E. Cua and Jose V. Gambito. 

Also present in the activity were  Fernando Antimano and Rinel Ian Gacayan, Creative Icons Awardees of Cagayan Valley. (TCB/PIA-2, Quirino)