Art exhibit raises funds for rural and environmental development

More than 40 art pieces from 17 Filipino artists have been put up for sale to help local communities in Samar and in Bohol through VSO Bahaginan’s “Art for Volunteerism” charity exhibit.

VSO Bahaginan is a development organization.

“We have committed ourselves to bringing people to fight poverty with a people first strategy,” said Grace Aguiling-Dalisay of the board of trustees of VSO International during the exhibit’s formal opening at the Ayala Museum. “It is through partnerships that we have been able to come together to celebrate art for volunteerism. We showcase the key values in the different areas that we work in such as disability, education, HIV/AIDS, participation and governance.”

Sale of the art works will be used to help fund VSO Bahaginan’s Model Forest Projects in the Visayas region. The program, done in partnership with the International Model Forest Network (IMFN) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, focuses on the sustainable management of Carood Watershed in Bohol and the Ulot Watershed in Samar.

“The Model Forest project hopes to see the communities flourish, where its dwellers are committed in protecting the environment because have experienced the benefit that it brings to them,” said Malou Pantua-Jacinto, executive director of VSO Bahaginan.

VSO Bahaginan projects include ecotourism and enterprise development, capacity-building of people’s organizations, establishment of local volunteering groups, and organizational development of the watershed councils.

Artists whose works are included are Maro Ruben Malto II, Daniel “Dansoy” Coquilla, Benjie Cabangis, Jonathan Olazo, Mervy Pueblo, Nestor Olarte Vinluan, Noell EL Farol, Zean Cabangis, Riel Jaramillo Hilario, Ferdinand Cacnio, Rosscapili, Dexter Sy, Leeroy New, Mark Justiniani, and Paolo Baen Santos.

The “Art for Volunteerism” project is supported by Globe Telecommunications, Inc., Pioneer Insurance, and American Data Exchange Corporation as well as Riego de Dios Law Offices and Voyage Studios.

Visit http://artforvolunteerism. wordpress.com.