LINGAYEN– With the aim to promote the country’s folk dances, the
Philippine Folk Dance Society (PFDS) Region 1 chapter conducted its very first region-wide seminar-workshop participated in by 37 performing artists on September 13-15, 2013.
Hosted by the provincial government at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) Gymnasium, the event coincided with the Tourism Month celebration of the province.
“Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. wants to rediscover, recapture, promote, and preserve Pangasinan dances and songs as tourism is still the province’s major thrust,” said special events office head Marifi Acerit.
Acerit invited the participants particularly those from Pangasinan to join the province’s culture and arts festival, “Balitok A Tawir” to share what they have learned from the workshop and to promote folk dances and songs.
Participants from various secondary and tertiary schools in Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan were taught basic steps in the folk dancing by PFDS trainors.
“We are glad and satisfied with what we have learned from this seminar workshop. We will integrate this in our K to 12 curriculum,” the participants vowed.
According to PFDS Regional President, Prof. Childe Libertad, the dance society is the only legitimate group in the country that can hold trainings on folk dances. (Arian Bermas)