A RESOLUTION supporting street art in Baguio City was passed in a bid to beautify and stimulate mental wellness.
In a resolution, Councilor Mylen Yaranon encouraged all local artists and residents to engage in street art to help bring mental health awareness, as well as to beautify the community.
Yaranon said the project aims to serve many purposes, foremost to showcase the talent of local artists, as well as for residents to showcase their artistic side and help in the beatification of Baguio, befitting its title as a Creative City.
The lawmaker added it is vital the city government of Baguio should support this move and provide guidelines on its implementation.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has caused anxiety and uncertainty among our constituents. Research shows that getting involved with the arts, [it] can have power and lasting effects on health. It can help in recovery. It can help boost confidence and make us feel more engaged and resilient. Besides these benefits, art engagements also alleviate depression and stress,” Yaranon added.
Yaranon likened the project to what has been done in other areas, citing Itogon’s engagement in a beautification activity wherein they turned blank walls into murals and turning abandoned cars into art pieces.
“Baguio, being a creative city, can adopt this practice, provided only manmade structures shall be made into art pieces of street art and natural elements. Stone walls, trees and wood shall be untouched to showcase their unique and natural beauty,” she said.
The move was approved in this week’s city council session, saying the city has adopted a policy of full government support to be extended to partners in the arts, culture and heritage conservation sectors, befitting the city being declared by the United Nations Creative Cities Network.
“We will maintain constant engagement and active involvement with these sectors to encourage appropriate activities meant to enliven the cultural scene and strengthen harmonizing efforts of varied indigenous and traditional practices,” Yaranon said.
