Simultaneous dance performances were recently held across the Philippines by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) as a way to promote awareness for cultural heritage preservation in the country.

The event, “Yugyugan para sa Kultura at Bayan: Dance Rally for Cultural Heritage Preservation,” is part of the International Dance Day celebration on April 30.

The performances were mounted at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City; Angono in Rizal province; Bacolod City, Baguio City, and Batangas, Davao, Iloilo, and Pampanga provinces.

In Cebu City, a number of groups from different schools performed traditional Cordillera and Mindanao dances to modern dances like hip hop and even cheerleading at the city’s sports complex.

NCCA mounted the performances in cooperation with Sinulog Foundation and Cebu City government.

Even if Western dances were presented, the concerts sought to preserve and promote “our very own cultural dances,” said Victor Hao Cuenco, Cebu Yugyugan organizer and NCCA National Committee on Dance member.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama stressed the importance of cultural heritage preservation, saying that culture and arts contribute to total human development.

“A person without culture and arts is like a ship without a captain,” said Rama. “And hence, where will it lead you to? With culture, there is a thing called identity and that is bringing the pride of a country.”

“The Philippines through our dances, songs positively bring about the best in the field of arts and culture that will always bring not only an identity of talent, creativity but an identity that we have the heart [for culture and arts],” the mayor added.

Rama added traditional dances should be performed to preserve heritage.

He added that pride in one’s heritage would also cultivate among Filipinos “a culture of excellence.”