HARMONIZING HERITAGE: LLANERA’S JOURNEY TO MUSIC EDUCATION, APPRECIATION AND EMPOWERMENT

By: Dr. Vlademir Turingan
Institute of Linguistics and Literature

In February 2024, the Municipality of Llanera in Nueva Ecija embarked on an ambitious endeavor to enrich its cultural landscape through a comprehensive Trainer's Training for Music. Spearheaded by Dr. Rommel V. Espejo, the Director of the NEUST- Institute of Linguistics and Literature (IOLL) and faculty members, Dr. Vlademir T. Turingan, Dr. Marianne R. De Vera, Dr. Loriejane S. Jose, Dr. Higino D. Chavez, and Mr. Limuel A. Catacutan, this initiative aimed to empower local trainers in Llanera with the necessary skills and knowledge to foster musical education and appreciation within the community.

The three-day training, held from February 23rd to 25th, unfolded at the Evacuation Center in Llanera, providing a conducive environment for learning and collaboration. The LGU Llanera, under the dynamic leadership of Honorable Mayor Ronnie Roy G. Pascual and Mr. Alejandro S. Galindez, Jr., Designated Municipal Officer on Tourism, History, Culture, and the Arts, played a pivotal role in facilitating the logistical and administrative aspects of the program, underscoring the municipality's unwavering commitment to promoting cultural development and community engagement as the Municipality celebrates Culture Month with the theme “Sining at Musika: Kultura ng Paglaya at Pagkilala”.

Facilitated by Mr. Arnel E. Del Rosario, a distinguished musical director and former member of the renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers, the program offered participants a rich blend of theoretical insights and practical techniques drawn from Del Rosario's extensive experience in the field. The training encompassed a diverse range of topics, including music theory, vocal techniques, ensemble performance, and pedagogical strategies tailored to the local context.

In recognition of its broader significance within the national cultural landscape, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) extended its support to the initiative, further amplifying its impact and outreach beyond the confines of Llanera. As the curtains drew to a close on the Trainer's Training for Music, a palpable sense of enthusiasm and empowerment reverberated within the community, laying the groundwork for a vibrant and sustainable musical ecosystem that celebrates diversity, fosters creativity, and enriches the lives of all who call Llanera home.