Priest says Sinukwan fest is apolitical (Sun.Star, Monday, December 03, 2007)

Priest says Sinukwan fest is apolitical

By Ian Ocampo Flora

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- "Politicians of this province should stop politicking that is meaningless and time-wasting, whoever the governor is they should start serving the interest of the people"

Thus said Fr. Resty Lumanlan of the Save Pampanga Movement, who conceptualized the famed Sinukwan Festival during the opening of the festivities here on Sunday. The festival is also in line with the commemoration of the Aldo Ning Kampangan.

In an interview with Sun.Star Pampanga, Lumanlan clarified that the Sinukwan Festival is aimed at saving the "Kapampangan Soul," which is the culture, arts and tradition of the province and not a staging ground for politicians.

"In the past the celebrations used to commemorate the founding of the province were done by politicians. Beauty contests and selection for honorees of the province were done with huge expenses and vague criteria. But the Sinukwan is different, we are apolitical," Lumanlan said, adding that the intention of the Save Pampanga Movement is to safeguard and propagate the rich culture and tradition of the province.

The Save Pampanga Movement, during its initial inception had advocated for the saving of the "tangible Pampanga." It was among the first groups to raise the cause for the construction of the Mega Dike during the initial onslaught of Mt. Pinatubo. After fulfilling its first task, the organization began looking into the "soul" of the Kapampangan by preserving local traditions and culture.

According to Lumanlan, this "soul" is vital in understanding the various facets of the Kapampangan persona. "A province that does not now its culture is like a person without a soul," he explained while pointing out that the Sinukwan Festival was a timely vehicle in the promotion the cultural and tourism potential of the province.

"The past administrations have failed in looking into the people's needs in such events. What we saw in the past were just activities that did not focus on the needs of the province. This is what we are trying to address now," he said.

The Sinukwan Festival will run in line with the Aldo Ning Kapampangan, both of which would feature cultural and artistic events. The Aldo Ning Kapampangan also focuses on the commemoration of the founding anniversary of the province and will run until December 11.

"We are inviting fellow Kapampangans to take part in various events and support the activities," Lumanlan said.