SUMMARY
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
MANILA, Philippines – With splashes of color – plenty of it – a clump of concrete houses in Barangay Balili in La Trinidad, Benguet turned into a huge, vibrant work of art.
Houses in the sitios of Stonehill, Botiwtiw and Sadjap (STOBOSA) in Barangay Balili in La Trinidad were painted in various colors and patterns, as somehow inspired by the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (READ: Favela art eyed to boost tourism in Benguet village)
Helmed by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the artwork is part of its “RevBloom” (revitalize and bloom) campaign. It was unveiled last June 23. (READ: La Trinidad residents unite to beautify their local community)
DOT secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr was at the unveiling and said in a SunStar Baguio report, “There must be a concerted effort of the community to re-dedicate its mountains to flowers and trees part of sustainable tourism activities.”
In a previous interview with Rappler, DOT Regional Director Marie Venus Tan said that rapid growth, commercialization, and lack of a comprehensive development and zoning plans have caused the degradation and deterioration of Baguio and La Trinidad as prime tourist destinations.
Thus, “solar artist” Jordan Mang-osan led a team of Tam-awan artists to paint the houses as if it were one big mural, and also paid homage to what he claimed to be the area’s origins as a mountain of sunflowers and limestone rock formations.
Davies Paints provided environment-friendly paints for the project, while the local government gave paintbrushes and other necessary materials.
Community leader Gloria Agasen told SunStar, “Since our place is now a destination for visitors, we hope that our livelihood will be boosted.”
“Houses across which have good view of the painted houses may also open a small coffee shop as additional livelihood,” she added.
A similar project is being eyed for Baguio – particularly in Quirino Hill – in time for Panagbenga. – with reports from Jessa Mardy N. Polonio/Rappler.com
Add a comment
How does this make you feel?
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.