The flagship program of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts – National Committee on Literary Arts (NCCA-NCLA), ‘PanitiKaravan,’ commenced at Araullo High School on February 24, 2025. With the theme “Diwa at Damdamin sa Panitikan,” the NCCA-NCLA aims to bring the traveling literary caravan to various communities, schools, and cultural spaces, particularly in underserved and less-visited areas, to further promote literary arts.
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As part of the National Arts Month 2025 celebration, PanitiKaravan visited the alma mater of NCCA-NCLA Head, Mr. Niles Jordan Breis, offering engaging activities for the students in attendance.
The event began with a warm welcome from the Araullo Dasigyaw Dance Troupe, who performed a vibrant dance number in front of the PanitiKaravan van. Inside the van, books, zines, and other reading materials were available for public access.
At the Araullo High School Auditorium, interactive activities were held, officially opened by Mr. Francis Arnold M. Atienza, former AHS Batch Alumni President.“This gathering is a testament to our collective dedication to nurturing Filipino literature and ensuring that the love for the written word thrives,” he stated.
To provide attendees with insights into the literary arts, NCCA-NCLA Vice Head and NCR Representative Dr. Edgar Calabia Samar delivered a keynote speech, sharing his experiences as a professor, scholar, writer, and artist. In addition to his words of wisdom, Dr. Samar recommended books for literature enthusiasts among the audience.
He ended his speech on an uplifting note, encouraging self-reflection and hope: “At dito po natin inuugat ‘yong halaga ng pagsisiyasat sa loob natin na, kumusta ba tayo? Baka nga napakadaling sabihin para sa atin, ‘okay lang, okay naman.’ Dahil sa bandang huli, may panahon at may kondisyon na pwede nating balikan kung saan walang ‘walang pag-asa,’” he said.
A question-and-answer session followed, allowing students to engage directly with Dr. Samar.
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The program continued with performances, starting with spoken word poetry by Ivan Jethro Mella. His powerful piece on time, self-awareness, and transformation captivated the audience. Mella had previously performed at the National Arts Month Opening of Lights at the Metropolitan Theater on February 3, 2025.
Adding to the event’s literary charm, NCCA Chair Victorino Mapa Manalo took the stage—not as a guest of honor, but as a performer. With a touch of humor, he remarked on the rarity of his participation in such a role. Chair Manalo delivered a special address, followed by a poetry reading of his own work. His session was interactive, featuring a lively discussion on the varied interpretations of words across different Philippine languages.
The spotlight then shifted to the students of Araullo High School. The Araullo Dasigyaw Dance Troupe performed a folk dance showcasing the country’s rich cultural traditions. Following this, the award-winning theatrical group Tanghalang Malyete delivered a compelling performance on the importance of agriculture, the struggles of local farmers, and the role of the community in sustaining the industry.
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To close the event, Araullo High School Principal Ms. Mayet R. Dela Cruz expressed her gratitude to the attendees and organizers. Mr. Niles Jordan Breis then gave his closing remarks, emphasizing the profound impact of literature beyond academia—on life itself. He shared his personal journey, recounting how writing helped him navigate the hardships of Manila’s streets and ultimately changed his life.“Naniniwala ko na kaya ako ay nakaligtas, kaya ako ay nag-survive, dahil doon sa nagsusulat ako kahit hindi ko alam noong mga panahon na ‘yon kung saan ako dadalhin ng aking sinusulat. Kaya, gusto kong sabihin sa inyong lahat na sa panitikan ay mayroong kaligtasan,” he said.
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As a culminating activity, Araullo High School performers took the stage for a unity dance to the theme song of the NCCA-National Committee on Dance’s flagship program, Sayaw Pinoy.
To cap off the event, students were treated to snacks and zines, making the experience both enriching and memorable.
For details on this press release, contact Mr. Rene S. Napeñas, Head, Public Affairs and Information Office, through pais@ncca.gov.ph or 0945 788 5698. Visit www.ncca.gov.ph and the Facebook page @NCCAOfficial.
