AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS PRESERVATION OF INDIGENOUS CRAFT IN SAGADA
Australian Embassy Charge d’Affaires Stephen Scott is assisted by Indigenous artist Lope Bosaing (left) as he tries his hand at traditional pottery during his trip to Sagada, Benguet to meet with the beneficiaries of the Sagada Kiln Project, an initiative supported by the Embassy’s Direct Aid Program (DAP).
The project is managed by the Putik Potters Association of the Philippines (PPAP) and aims to sustain Sagada’s age-old tradition of pottery. Australian support has enabled PPAP to construct a wood-fired kiln and an exhibition and pottery training centre. It has also helped stimulate economic activity in Sagada by providing local potters with a venue to produce, exhibit and market their work.
Mr Scott’s visit coincided with the Australian Embassy’s celebration of NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week 2009. The annual event honours Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and highlights Australia’s partnerships with Philippine Indigenous communities.
Since 2006, the Embassy’s Direct Aid Program (DAP) has provided nearly Php3 million to programs that contribute to the welfare and income-generating capacity of Indigenous Peoples and the preservation of their culture.