Provinces in PNG urged to take Cultural Programs on board
PROVINCES in the country are urged to incorporate cultural programs and implement at the province, districts and local level government levels.
The Provincial administrators are challenged to take the initiative to drive cultural development agenda’s forward in the province.
The Executive Director of National Cultural Commission, Steven Enomb Kilanda highlighted this while officially opening and closing a two-day cultural event at Togoba outside Mt Hagen City in Western Highlands Province last Thursday.
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| Provinces in PNG urged to take Cultural Programs on board |
Mr Kilanda said he has travelled to provinces all throughout the national with the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Isi Henry Leonard to officiate cultural events and programs but so far, he is yet to see provincial administrators team up with the agency and taking ownership of the programs and activities happening in the province.
He pointed out that it was the first time for him to see the provincial administrator (PA) of Western Highlands Province, Joseph Mangibal physically present at the 1st Parakam Amb Guu Festival.
“Your presence at the festival is making a difference and indicates how significant and serious the new administration under the leadership of new Western Highlands Governor WAI RAPA are embracing culture in their communities in the province.
Mr Kilanda further welcomed the call by Western Highlands Province to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with National Cultural Commission (NCC).
He said this is one of the ways NCC and Western Highlands Provincial Government will forged partnership arrangement to work closely to provide cultural services to the people while at the same time help to preserve, safeguard, and promote their dying cultures.
“We tried to sign MoU with Eastern Highlands and Western Highlands Provincial Governments but, that did not eventuate however, now that the Provincial Administrator has make the call inviting NCC to forge that partnership, our doors are always open and we are glad to sign a MoU with Western Highlands Province in no sooner than later,” said Mr Kilanda.
This MoU will pave the way forward for NCC and the province to work closely to establish provincial cultural center and community cultural centers once the deal is inked.
National Cultural Commission is a small Government Agency that received insufficient funding therefore, it needs provincial governments to partner in delivering the cultural services to the people.
NCC so far signed MoU’s with seven other provinces, Enga, West New Britain, Oro, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Milne bay, East New Britain, and Madang and Western Highlands coming on board will make it eight.
Governor, Wai Rapa committed K50, 000 while Joseph Mangibal (PA) committed K5, 000 and NCC chipped in K10, 000 towards hosting of the festival.
Mr Kilanda while presenting the cheque of K10, 000 heaped praise to the Parakam Amb Guu Association Chairlady, Doris Terry, and the leaders of the community for taking the initiative to initiate the festival. It was a history in the making when women group hosted the cultural festival because he travelled throughout the country but have not seen any woman or women group hosted such cultural events.
“I come to Parakam village because I see that you are serious in preserve, safeguard and promote your cultures,” he said.
“Papua New Guinea is diverse nation compared to other countries around the world; it is a nation that is made up of 800 other smaller countries which is our diverse 800 plus cultures that makes us unique. Thus, let’s all work together to embrace our cultures in the communities, local level government (LLGs), districts and provinces from now and into the future,” added Mr. Kilanda.
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