Bridging classroom instruction and artistic practice, Asst. Prof. Alfredo B. Diaz of the Division of Professional Education participated in the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Arts Academy: National Arts Education Summit 2026, held from October 4 to 10 at the Metropolitan Theater (MET) and the Philippine Normal University (PNU) in Manila.
The summit brought together educators, artists, cultural workers, policymakers, and practitioners to exchange perspectives, experiences, and practices in arts education in the Philippines. It aimed to foster dialogue and collaboration toward strengthening arts education and identifying key directions for its development through plenary sessions, workshops, and other learning activities.
Drawing on his teaching experience at UP Visayas and his involvement in the arts , Diaz attended sessions exploring the intersections of arts, culture, education, and policy-making. Among these was “Tanghalan at Silid Aralan: Bridging Performance and Arts Education,” featuring Nanding Josef, Artistic Director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) Tanghalang Pilipino. The summit also featured talks by former National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman Prof. Felipe M. de Leon, Jr., who discussed “Concept of Art as a Function of Culture: Eight Filipino Expressions,” and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Kidlat Tahimik, who presented “Hanapin ang IndioGenius Narratives para sa Kabataan.”
Throughout the week-long summit, Diaz participated in reflective discussions, pedagogical training, and curriculum and policy review alongside fellow participants from various schools, agencies, and fields of arts education. These activities provided opportunities to exchange ideas, share professional experiences, and explore teaching practices that could enrich arts education in the Philippines. The discussions also highlighted the value of collaboration between artists and educators in connecting artistic practice with classroom instruction and advancing arts education in the country.
Organized by the CCP through its Arts Education Department, the summit was held in partnership with PNU, NCCA, and MET.
The summit concluded with a plenary talk by National Artist for Dance Nonoy Froilan, who shared insights into his artistic journey. It also marked the formation of BIGKIS (Bukluran ng mga Iskolar at Guro sa Kultura, Inobasyon at Sining), bringing together scholars and educators committed to the arts, culture, and innovation.
Written by Feaches Pearl M. Cabrobias, UPHSI
Photo Credits: Cultural Center of the Philippines and Tan-aw Guild
