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Negros Occidental is at the forefront of the promotion of cultural activities and in recognition of this, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts will launch tomorrow the Visayas activities for the National Arts Month at the Provincial Capitol.

The celebration of the National Arts Month every February is covered by President Proclamation No. 683, issued by President Corazon Aquino in 1991 to highlight milestones in the disciplines of theater, dance, music, visual arts, architecture, media arts and film in a climate of free artistic and intellectual expression.

The provincial government, through the Public Affairs Division and the Provincial Youth development Council, in cooperation with the NCCA, will host the Visayas launch.

This year's launch focuses on the byword, Panggas: Sowing the Bounties of the Arts, which is inspired by this year's theme, Ani ng Sining. Organizers said the focus reflects the harvest process that requires choicest seedlings to be laid out earlier during the stages of farm production. The soil should be properly cultivated, thus the theme, they said.

The day-long launch activities, which are free of charge, intend to make the people be more aware of the arts, particularly young people that they develop an appreciation of local culture, the organizers added.

The launch will start with the flag-raising rites at the Capitol Park at 8 a.m. with Vice Gov. Isidro Zayco and an NCCA official delivering inspirational messages. Providing entertainment are the Provincial Employees Choir and the Pasalamat Drumbeaters and Performers. The launch will also honor Negrense artists who have contributed to the growth of arts and culture and who had brought honors to the province.

At 1:30 p.m., a forum on "The State of Arts and Culture in Negros and the Visayas and the National Arts and Culture Movement will be held at the Capitol Social Hall. Negrenses who sit in the NCCA board as executive committee members will be the resource persons. They include, Rene Hinojales (dance), Rudy Reveche (dramatic arts), Tony Tejado (visual arts), Ceasar Pacalioga (music) and Lucia Lizares (architecture) as well as Dr. Cecilia Nava and Manny Montelibano, who will talk on the cinema.

A multi-media performing arts presentation will be held in front of the Provincial Capitol showcasing award-winning groups - the Kabataang Silay Ensemble, Kaanyag Pilipinas and Rondalla of West Negros College, Teatro Amorseco, Kagayon Dance Troup of Colegio de San Agustin and the ETCS Children's Choir.