By Billy Begas
The House of Representatives Association of Women Legislators Foundation Inc. (AWLFI) chaired by Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez has launched an art exhibit to raise funds for the construction of a mental health facility for women and children.
The fundraising project dubbed “Sining Sa Kongreso: An Art Exhibit of Masters, Modern Masters and Contemporary Filipino Artists,” is part of the celebration of the Philippine Creative Industries Month.
AWLFI President and Bulacan Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica said the exhibit shows how art brings people together for a cause.
“For every art piece that you buy, part of it will help in the construction this time of a two-storey Women and Children Protection Unit at the NCMH (National Center for Mental Health)… Your patronage of this exhibit will enable our healers to provide more fitting care and environment to treat women and children,” Villarica said.
House Committee on Creative Industries chairperson ang Pangasinan Rep. Christopher de Venecia said “mental health deserves attention, empathy, and action.”
Citing the UNICEF 2022 report, de Venecia said that one in eight adolescents aged 10 to 19 years old and one in 17 children aged 5 to 9 years are estimated to have a mental disorder.
House Committee on Welfare of Children chairperson and BHW party-list Rep. Angelica Natasha Co said “the art exhibit featuring iconic works by revered masters is a testament to the boundless talent in artistry of the Filipino.”
The back-to-back art exhibit, which runs until September 29 is chaired by Representatives Josie Limkaichong (Negros Oriental) and Stella Luz Quimbo (Marikina City).
The AWLFI launched the project in partnership with Mira Art Gallery and Project Hulmaha.
September of every year has been designated as the Philippine Creative Industries Month by virtue of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (Republic Act No. 11904).
