Bulwagan ng Dangal Opens Art and Science Exhibit on the West Philippine Sea

The UP Bulwagan ng Dangal University Heritage Museum, in collaboration with the UP Marine Science Institute, the Daluyong Artist Network Center, Inc., and DOST PCAARRD-funded RE-INVEST WPS Program, proudly unveiled 𝐊𝐚𝐧𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐥𝐚𝐧: 𝐀𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐚, at the UP Marine Science Institute, UP Diliman. This exhibition brings together art and science to shed light on the rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and critical importance of this vital marine ecosystem.

Launched on 22 October 2024, the exhibit features a variety of artworks by Studio Rôman, William Matawaran, Joanna Aglibot, and the Daluyong Artist Network, alongside pieces from UP Diliman’s University Collections. The Kanlungan at Kasarinlan exhibition also showcased scientific data, maps, specimens and multimedia presentations from UP MSI’s extensive research expeditions in the West Philippine Sea. By combining creative expression and scientific research, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the interconnected beauty and challenges of the West Philippine Sea and to inspire deeper understanding and stewardship of this essential part of our national heritage.

The exhibition launch was attended by UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Vistan II, Atin Ito Coalition Convenor Fr. Edicio de la Torre, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga (represented by Asec. Noralene Uy), Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte (represented by External Affairs Officer Maria Teresa Tirona), and DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora. Representatives from BFAR, various government agencies, artist collectives, and community organizations were also in attendance.

Photos by Jefferson Villacruz, UP Diliman Information Office

The exhibition runs from October 22 to December 13, 2024, at the Marine Science Institute, UP Diliman, and is open Monday to Saturday, except on holidays. Admission is free, and walk-ins are welcome. For groups of 15 or more, please go to bit.ly/WPSExhibit24.

This effort will not be possible without the University Collection Mapping Project (2017-20) of the UP Diliman Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts, and its support through its grants program.