BAGUIO CITY (23 October) -- The City government commended National Artist Benedicto Cabrera popularly known as “Bencab” through Resolution No. 150, series of 2006 for having been conferred by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on June 9, 2006 with the “Order of National Artists” (for Visual Arts) jointly administered by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)

A plaque of commendation was presented to Cabrera during the CARE Kapihan at the Baguio Mountain Provinces Museum last week.

The resolution, which was adopted during the time of Mayor Braulio Yaranon, states that “ Bencab is widely hailed as a master of contemporary Philippine art where he began carving a niche for himself in Manila ’s art circles shortly after receiving his degrees in Bachelor of Science in fine Arts from the University of the Philippines .”

After he chose to live in the City in 1986, Bencab has redefined the city’s culture and arts by his various accomplishments most noteworthy of which is his contribution along with other Baguio-based artists in the establishment of the Baguio Arts Guild, the resolution stated.

It added, “His works of art are not only for collector’s items but they highlight social issues of the present time creating awareness and instilling a deeper sense of patriotism and volunteerism in all Filipinos.”

Along with the seven national artists, Bencab in his preeminent excellence in his own field and for national genius contributes to the artistic heritage of the country and the world.

Meanwhile, Congressman Mauricio Domogan announced also during the kapihan that students who want to take up Fine Arts are welcome to the educational assistance provided from his congressional allocation.

Domogan said the amount of P9 million is earmarked for scholarship grant to poor but deserving students in the city. He disclosed that P6 million was already disbursed for the current scholars.

The scholarship program covers four or five year courses as well as vocational courses. Screening of applicants is done by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Baguio City National High School.