The Western Visayas Regional Culture, Heritage and the Arts Committee (RCHAC) conducted its reorganizational meeting and election of officers on October 11, 2022 through blended platform.

Ms. Joyalita B. Tigres, RCHAC Technical Coordinator and NEDA VI Chief Economic Development Specialist of the Policy Formulation and Planning Division presented the salient points for the creation of the committee under the RDC-VI.  As a special committee under the RDC-VI, the RCHAC provides a venue for the discussion of culture-related issues and concerns along the conservation, preservation and safeguarding of culture, heritage and the arts in Western Visayas.  The Committee also leads the formulation of policies to ensure the cohesive implementation of culture and arts program in the region.

The meeting was attended by the heads and authorized representatives of the member agencies and local government units namely: NEDA, NCCA, CHED, DOT, DENR; the provinces of Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras and Negros Occidental; municipalities of Jordan, Guimaras and Kalibo, Aklan; and, cities of Bacolod and Roxas.

Seven (7) accredited private arts and culture organizations were also present during the meeting: Iloilo Business Club Inc., Annie Divinagracia-Sartorio School of Performing Arts, The Performance Laboratory, Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc., Negros Cultural Foundation, Inc., United Architects of the Philippines -Iloilo Chapter, and PROCESS Foundation Panay, Inc.

Prior to the election proper, participants were briefed on the functions of RCHAC and the guidelines for the election of the Chairperson and Co-Chairperson. The nomination and election were conducted online. Ms. Ma. Luisa C. Segovia of Iloilo Business Club Inc., was elected as the new Chairperson of RDC VI-RCHAC while Mayor Cresente P. Chavez Jr. of the Municipality of Jordan, Guimaras was elected as the new Co-Chairperson.  Both will serve as the Committee’s top officers for the period 2022 to 2025.