Los ba±os: The Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA) is inviting creative students from the Bicol Region to participate in auditions for government art scholarships as part of their Annual Nationwide Search for Young Arts Scholars (ANSYAS). This initiative aims to discover and nurture the next generation of art leaders in the country.
According to Philippines News Agency, Prof. Josue Greg Zuniega, the director of PHSA, highlighted the school's commitment to developing future leaders in the arts through a government-supported secondary education program. This initiative focuses on conserving and promoting Filipino artistic and cultural traditions across various disciplines, including dance, music, creative writing, theater arts, and visual arts.
Jeffrey Walet, a project development assistant at PHSA, extended an invitation to Grade 6 students from both private and public schools to attend the audition on February 20 at Bitano Elementary School. Walet emphasized that the application is free and open to all sixth graders who wish to demonstrate their artistic skills. He noted that students should prepare for their presentations or performances and mentioned that walk-ins are welcome. Successful candidates will receive a full secondary (K12) scholarship, covering tuition, accommodation, and a PHP2,000 monthly stipend, among other benefits.
Prospective applicants are required to bring a photocopy of their birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority, a brief resume, and any certificates from workshops they have attended. Registration will take place from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., followed by a general orientation for students and parents. The audition will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a written examination scheduled for the afternoon for qualified candidates.
Walet mentioned that PHSA is also conducting searches for young scholars in Manila, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Tacloban, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, and Quezon, in addition to the Bicol Region. Ronnie Mirabueno, a PHSA alumnus and chief culture and arts officer of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, shared insights into how the PHSA fosters both artistic excellence and cultural leadership. He cited successful PHSA alumni from the Bicol Region, such as Ronilo Jaynario of the Philippine Ballet Theater and actress Shamaine Buencamino from Naga City, as examples of the institution's impact on the country's cultural identity.
