Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez and Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez led the unveiling of the city’s first-ever art installation, “Manugdala sang Solo (Torch Bearer)” at the Victorias Sidlak Artists’ Park Dec. 16.
Mayor Javi congratulated the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office, headed by Paolo Valladarez, and shared the flourishing artistic revolution in Victorias with the vision of making the City a creative industry capital of Negros Occidental.
“Victorias City will be a creative pillar of industry revolution in our country,” he said in a city press release Dec. 17.
Victoriahanon artist Dennis Valenciano created the art installation for the launching of the Victorias Sidlak Artists’ Park.
“This creation represents the contemporary embodiment of the tapasero image, depicting a leader who inspires and guides others towards cherished aspirations,” Valenciano said.
He also expressed his appreciation to the City of Victorias, Mayor Benitez, the city officials, and the LEDIP Office.
In time for Cong. Kiko’s Day, the solon graced the event and congratulated the City for winning the Lunsod Lunsad of the Department of Trade and Industry.
“Whatever the District can do and whatever the Committee of Creative Industries in Congress can do to help Victorias realize its dreams as a city of culture, as a hub of creative industries and innovation, we certainly are committed to help,” Cong. Kiko said.
The “Manugdala sang Solo” by the award-winning local artist depicts an image of a modern-day tapasero leader in a ninja mask and sugarcane torch surrounded by origami birds.
Present during the unveiling were councilors Derek Palanca and Dino Acuña, City Administrator Atty. Lindolf de Castro, chief of staff to the mayor Dr. Joselito Diaz, and city department heads. | Victorias PIO photos
