Life-sized sculptures designed as artificial reefs for corals to grow and fishes to spawn will soon have their permanent home underwater at the Currimao cove in Ilocos Norte.
This was after a group of local artists and environment advocates contributed their talents to the installation of the first underwater sculpture museum in the province.
The museum was the brainchild of Dr. Jovencio Cuanang, eminent neurologist, art collector and owner of the Sitio Remedios Heritage Village in Barangay Victoria in Currimao.
He is also the founder of the Instagram-worthy Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo, Rizal and former medical director of St. Luke's Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City.
Cuanang said the underwater sculpture museum not only aims to bring the Currimao cove back to life but also to promote art, culture and love for the environment.
"By creating artificial reefs, we hope to help reverse this decimation,” said Cuanang in his Facebook post, adding that Currimao cove was once blessed with marine abundance but it has diminished over time.
Backing this move, Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc on Monday expressed his excitement on realization of the project which Cuanang had previously discussed with him and the municipal government of Currimao led by mayor Edward Quilala.
“I think our corals are in decent shape but this will help not just as a tourist attraction but also the ecosystem,” said Manotoc in an interview as he thanked the famous art patron for his countless contribution to the province.
At present, some of the art sculptures are now available for viewing at the beachfront of Sitio Remedios.
Cuanang said the latest art installation in the province was curated by Carlomar Daoana, head of the fine arts department of the Ateneo de Manila and in charge of the Pinto Art projects together with an art committee.
He added that starting May, the sculptures will be permanently installed underwater to coincide with the town’s celebration of the Dinaklisan Festival and in time for the 17th anniversary of Sitio Remedios.
Source: Philippines News Agency
