Senator Loren Legarda, principal architect of the country’s re-entry to the world’s most prestigious exhibition for contemporary art after a 51-year absence, led officials present for the preview prior to the public viewing on May 26.
Legarda, who made time despite the recent reorganization in the Senate, said the Philippine pavilion has secured the country’s rightful place in the global contemporary art scene with its wealth of artistic talent.
Sen. Loren Legarda, chairwoman of the powerful Senate finance committee, has welcomed the approval by the Senate on second reading of a bill which seeks to grant Ombudsman lawyers and prosecutors a comparable set of retirement benefits similarly granted by law to their counterparts in the judiciary and the prosecution service of the Department of Justice (DOJ).
In a passionate speech, Philippine Senator Loren Legarda said that, as the world’s fifth most vulnerable country to climate change, there is no other recourse for the Philippines “but to usher in green growth and transform our economy towards a low carbon and climate-resilient path.”
“I’m triply excited about it,” said Sen. Loren Legarda, the prime mover in the country’s participation at the Biennale, at a press con at the NCCA. This is the fourth time the country is participating at the Venice Biennale. After 51 years of absence, Legarda, so to speak, moved heaven and earth to secure a spot at the 2015 Venice Biennale and tell the world about the intricacy and beauty of our own culture and heritage.
The Philippine participation at the 16th Venice Architecture Biennale was formally introduced last week at the offices of the National Committee for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in Intramuros. Presenting were key proponent Senator Loren Legarda, NCCA head and National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario, DFA Assistant Secretary Leo M. Herrera (representing DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano), Italian Ambassador Giorgio Gugliemino and Philippine Pavilion curator Dr. Edson Cabalfin.
Legarda said Philippine presence in the Venice Biennale is an “advocacy in itself.”
“Through our national pavilion, we are able to relate our truths to the world while also connecting with Filipinos, showing them the importance of architecture in inspiring life, shaping society and building a nation,” Legarda said.