Step Up Consulting co-facilitated the Pista sa Kadagatan, a 3-day activity of Alliance Française de Manille, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Bohol activity, which formally opens the Ocean Program 2023-2025, a program by the Alliance Française de Manille.  Kasing Sining served as the major organizer and facilitator of the said event.

The three-day event last September 27-30 was a series of cultural tours with different activities that brought science, arts, culture, and sustainable development to life. From inspiring discussions on climate, tourism, and marine heritage to heartwarming interactions with coastal communities, it highlighted our shared commitment to preserving the ocean’s well-being and its invaluable marine treasures

Day 1 covered the Summit, where the orientation and overview of Pista sa Kadagatan and a series of presentations among experts in the relevant fields were held at Ceremonial Hall, Provincial Capital, CPG North Avenue, Tagbilaran City. Presentations included the ecological importance of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the local efforts in marine conservation through a series of lectures that focused on the status of the waters, cultural heritage, and heritage, and environmental conservation. Day 1 concluded with a play entitled Usa Ka Isla, performed by Kasing Sining. Presenters during the Summit were Dr Ben Malayang, an environmental scientist, on “A Science Culture to Better Appreciate Bohol’s Land and Sea”; Ms Len Barrientos, UNACOM Philippine Representative, presenting the UNESCO Agenda on UN Decade of the Oceans; and Prof. Eric Zerrudo, PhD, the Director of University of Santo Tomas Graduate School Center for the Conservation of Cultural Property & Environment in the Tropics, discussing Philippine Archipelagic Thinking, entitled, Kapuluan: an Appreciative Inquiry on Philippine Archipelagic Thinking. An open forum and sharing were conducted after the morning session. A documentary entitled “Kinabuhing Mananagat (The Life of a Fisher) directed by Mr. Procopio “Cooper” Resabal was shown thereafter. 

The afternoon session started with a story-telling by Prof. Marinanito Luspo, a local historian and consultant of the Center for Culture and the Arts (CCAD), entitled Sugid: Telling the Tales of the Seas Around Us. This was followed by a presentation on the dynamics of the water bodies surrounding Bohol presented by a fellow Boholano Prof. Rene Rollon, Professor of the Institute of Environmental Science & Meteorology – University of the Philippines Diliman. The resident geologist of the Province of Bohol, Mr. Karl Michael Din, also presented the Bohol Geopark and its Connectivity with Bohol Seas. Lastly, a representative from the Department of Environment and Natural Resource (DENR-Bohol) was presented by Mr. Ariel Rica. After the presentations, a synthesis was done to assess the learnings and insights of the participants. Usa Ka Isla, a play performed by Kasing Sining was also held during the evening event.

Days 2 and 3 covered the site visits and workshops, in caravan style, organized in these 2 areas, one after the other. These activities enabled community fisherfolks, artists and experts to immerse themselves in the beauty of these water worlds, in listening to the peoples’ stories, inspiring creative dialogues and possibly creative showcases or small works that reflect the essence of marine life and culture. Selected learning sessions were focused on blending cultural heritage with marine conservation, showcasing the deep connection between the people and their environment.