Message of Mr. Jose Soliman, Jr.

Felicitations to the People of Pangasinan on this worthy project led by the Provincial Government of Pangasinan under the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, along with the Provincial Tourism Office headed by Ms. Maria-Luisa Amor-Elduayan.

The Music Geography Project of the National Committee on Music of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts was conceived as a project to document the existing yet waning music resources of communities in the Philippines. This committee-initiated project hopes to use this documentation as a fitting sourcebook of Pangasinan folksongs and traditional music.

Music as an expression connects the past to the present. It is a bridge that unites generations and a transmitter in the most creative and expressive way.

As a universal language it knows no bounds that even if a document is written in Pangasinan language for the melodies and the mood convey a particular message to anyone who hears this.

The music documented is filled with values about community-life, unity within the family, ecology and much more. I am amazed by the creativity of what your ancestors have created and it is but worthy that these should be safeguarded and passed on the next generation.

I hope that schools, communities, performers and artists keep these traditions alive. Think of these as new-found treasures that should be cherished for generations to come.

I also challenge more researchers and music aficionados to likewise follow this endeavor and with the programs on heritage by the Province, we have added another worthy collection to Pangasinan’s patrimony.

Mabuhay kayong lahat! Mabuhay and Musikang Filipino!

Jose Soliman, Jr.
Secretary, National Committee of Music, NCCA