By Aliah P. Cali-Pascan, DPA, JD
In celebration of March as Arts Month, #ShuaraMSU, in partnership with Radyo Pilipinas Marawi, recently hosted a powerful discussion on the vital role of arts in peacebuilding and development. The program featured insightful conversations with Harisanie D. Lomondot, Grand Artist (President) 2025, and Fayda M. Corobong, Former President 2024 and current PIO of OKIR-TUAC, the Mindanao State University (MSU) art club.
Fayda M. Corobong emphasized the transformative power of art, stating that it allows for the expression of individual emotions and serves as a vital tool for communication. She highlighted the potential of artistic works to impact the community, bridging divides and fostering understanding. Corobong spoke to the diverse forms of art, including literary and visual, noting that even simple symbols like peace signs, doves, birds, and sunsets can convey powerful messages of peace.
“We are visuals,” Corobong explained, emphasizing the impact of visual art. “By simply putting symbols, like peace sign, dove, birds, sunsets, this is the way of understanding of peace.” She further elaborated on the effectiveness of murals as a means of fostering empathy and solidarity, emphasizing the need to see unity and hope through artistic expression. “Through artistic expression, that there is problem in the community. but we cannot feel, but we are artists, we become voices of possible solution,” she added.
Dr. Aliah P. Cali-Pascan, the program’s host, prompted further discussion on the diverse expressions of art. Harisanie D. Lomondot highlighted theatrical performances and murals as prime examples, noting the power of murals to attract attention and engage students in collaborative efforts. He also mentioned the importance of community workshops, acknowledging the challenges faced by the relatively small OKIR-TUAC team, which consists of only 11 members.
Corobong encouraged aspiring artists at MSU to join OKIR-TUAC, emphasizing that even those without prior drawing experience are welcome. She highlighted the accessibility of art, stating that skills like portraiture can be learned by anyone.
The discussion also delved into the history of OKIR-TUAC, revealing that it was founded in 2001 by four individuals, including Noel Rabboyo, the founder of the Honors’ Program and Society Scholar club, in response to the absence of an art club at MSU.
Harisanie D. Lomondot further enriched the conversation by explaining the intricate elements of Okir art, such as the “pako” and “dapal” motifs, which represent the rich Meranao heritage. He discussed how these traditional art forms preserve cultural identity and promote social cohesion.
The program effectively showcased how art serves as a bridge, connecting communities and promoting understanding. The guests highlighted the role of both traditional and contemporary art forms in fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and community empowerment. They also emphasized the positive impact of art on mental wellbeing.
The interview also highlighted potential questions when interviewing for positions related to arts in peace and development, including questions about personal motivation, practical skills, project design, and theoretical frameworks. This section of the interview highlighted the importance of measuring the impact of arts-based initiatives and understanding the relationship between cultural identity and peacebuilding.
This episode of #ShuaraMSU provided a valuable platform for exploring the transformative power of art in fostering peace and development, particularly within the context of Marawi and the rich cultural heritage of the Meranaw people.
