TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — The Cagayan Museum and Historical Research Center and the Cagayano Artists Group, Inc. (CAGI), kicked off this year’s National Arts Month Celebration yesterday by holding a special walkthrough of a visual art exhibit currently displayed at the Museum. The exhibit, entitled Mulat, is authored by members of the Cagayano Artists Group, Inc., and carries a theme that underscores socio-political issues that Philippine society has been facing for decades: political corruption, unequal economic opportunities, social injustice, elitism, among others. During the tour, CAGI President Lucio Taguiam, Jr., along with some of the authors of the paintings, took the opporunity to explain the messages of their artworks and how they matter in society today. His discussion highlighted the various social injustices experienced in daily life that are often overlooked or ignored.

According to Taguiam, artists bear a fundamental obligation to observe and remind the public by portraying these issues and the ordinary people’s struggles through their craft to ensure they remain in the public’s consciousness. In a separate conversation, Taguiam said that the exhibit not only serves as a timely response to the recent national scandals involving anomalies in public infrastructure projects and other controversies. The exhibit is meant to inspire young artists to use their talents and craft in furthering socially relevant advocacies. “Madami na kasing mga batang artist ngayon, walang pakialam sa social issues. Mas pera agad at pagyaman ang iniisip nila sa pagpipinta,” he explained. On the other hand, Cagayan Museum Director Niño Kevin Baclig discussed a special section of the exhibit, which features cultural materials connected to national hero Dr. Jose Rizal’s call for social reforms and his unmasking of colonial abuses during his time. Central to this section of the exhibit are the facsimiles of his novels, Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Baclig explained that while “mulat” translates to “being awakened” or “becoming aware”, the term serves as a figurative invitation for viewers to open their eyes to the world around them. He likened the exhibit’s intent to how Jose Rizal utilized literary art to inspire Filipinos to see clearly, question bravely, and confront the enduring realities that continue to shape society. Baclig also emphasized the crucial and historical role art plays in conveying messages especially those that have social significance, mirroring what Rizal did with his literary masterpieces. The walkthrough concluded with an open dialogue among attendees. The Mulat visual art exhibit, which had been unveiled on January 5, is currently displayed at the Bannag Gallery at the ground floor of the Cagayan Museum.