A country proud of its cultural diversity- the most diverse in the world has no policy to develop culture as an asset.
This had been the case for over 37 years.
Seven months ago though, under the auspices of Steven Kilanda as the Executive Director of the National Cultural Commission- a nine persons policy team headed by Dr Michael Unage was installed and they have come up with a draft National Cultural Policy 2022 to 2032.
A ten year policy, Dr Unage says it is aimed at invoking the government's attention to fund the sector and more than that, acknowledge Culture as an economic asset rather than where it is parked now in the social sector.
This policy has its foundation based on the preamble to Constitution and in particular, goal No.5 of the directive principles-PNG Way.
Unage said the policy will provide linkage between the culture and development plans (next MTDP) and establish a strong relationship with sub national governments and administration.
They have identified several enablers to make this policy work and among them establishing national and provincial cultural centres, establish a ministerial advisory council, create culture desks at foreign missions and set up a culture TV channel where all culture information will be broadcast.
The order of logic in implementation of the policy is having 1 goal, 2 objectives, 4 outcomes, 17 outputs and 112 activities.
This should be agreed and finalised upon the completion of four regional consultations.
Minister for Tourism Art and Culture Isi Henry Leonard who opened the first of four regional consultative workshop for the Southern Region in Port Moresby today said "this policy is important to evoke and invoke government response."
But he first acknowledged the traditional landowners of Port Moresby, the Motu-Koita people.
He said the onset of Covid-19 has made PNG to think outside of the box.
When we were focusing on inbound tourism prior to Covid, we now appreciate the domestic tourism was huge.
"We have a huge tourism potential that is based on culture," he said.
"We can participate and benefit from it."
The minister said he was at Enga show and realised people travelled from Kokopo and Lae to attend the show.
"We must promote domestic tourism," he said.
He said since assuming the role, he has travelled to Manus, Kiriwina, Enga and Mt. Hagen.
They are signing MOU's with provinces of Enga, Milne Bay and Central-welcoming more provinces to come on board so provinces can host festivals right down to the ward levels.
He said with the policy guide, the country can concentrate more on culture and tourism and the government can fund its programs.
Leonard told the workshop, the government was allocating K20 million for tourism next year and NCC was going to get some funding from it.
NCC Executive Director who was very proactive in ensuring the draft policy was delivered has appealed to the regional officers at the workshop to offer views and truly make the policy a "national policy".
Since the establishment of the office in 1984 they have work on an adhoc basis without a policy guide.
Kilanda envisages this policy to support art and culture shows in regions, a national one in Port Moresby and working with development partners PNG can host it in other countries.
"Culture can market our country. This is one of the biggest industries," Kilanda said.
He said when all the non renewable resources run out, "Your foundation is the culture."
No comments:
Post a Comment