UP MSI Opens Kanlungan at Kasarinlan: A West Philippine Sea Exhibit
FEATURED PHOTO: Attendees of the exhibit launch, with Dr. Charina Lyn A. Repollo leading the program
QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES — The University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI), in collaboration with UP Bulwagan ng Dangal University Heritage Museum, Daluyong Artists Network Center Inc., and the RE-INVEST WPS1 Program, opened Kanlungan at Kasarinlan: An Arts and Science Exhibit on the West Philippine Sea last October 22, 2024 at the Marine Science Institute, UP Diliman.
In her opening remarks, UP MSI Director Dr. Laura David emphasized the need to recognize the value of the West Philippine Sea. “We need to know what is there, what makes it work — in order to better manage how we continue to benefit from our environment.” Underscoring the role of the arts, UP Bulwagan ng Dangal Partner Lead and Exhibit Curator Asst. Prof. Mark Louie L. Lugue shared that “The arts are vital forces in amplifying our voices as we advocate for the protection of what is rightfully ours and for the care and safeguarding of our natural heritage.”
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 Ms. Maria Teresa Tirona), and DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora shared messages of support during the program. Representatives from BFAR and various government agencies, artist collectives, and community organizations also attended the opening.
Kanlungan at Kasarinlan features the art of Studio Rôman, William Matawaran, Joanna Aglibot, and Daluyong Artist Network, as well as pieces from the different collections of UP Diliman. It also showcases maps and materials based on UP MSI’s research expeditions to the West Philippine Sea through the years. The exhibit is structured around the thematic anchors of rich marine biodiversity and heritage, our enduring struggle for sovereignty, and our collective efforts in environmental stewardship.
The West Philippine Sea is ours. It is home to Filipino communities and a cradle for biodiversity for the region. Understanding it better, along with the challenges we face, is key to valuing and protecting it for future generations of Filipinos.
The exhibit runs from October 22 to December 13, 2024, at the Marine Science Institute, UP Diliman, and is open 9am – 4pm, Monday to Saturday, except on holidays. Admission is free and walk-ins are welcome. Groups of 15 or more may reserve a slot at bit.ly/WPSExhibit24.
The Kanlungan at Kasarinlan exhibit is part of UP MSI’s year-long anniversary activities, celebrating 50 years of marine research in the West Philippine Sea and all Philippine waters.
Atin ang West Philippine Sea, kanlungan ng saribuhay laut!
- Resource Inventory, Valuation and Policy in Ecosystem Services under Threat: The Case of the West Philippine Sea (RE-INVEST WPS) Program funded by DOST-PCAARRD. ↩︎
For media inquiries, contact:
Dorothy Andrada
UP MSI Communications Team
content@msi.upd.edu.ph