The beginnings of NCCA support to Kalutang Preservation

Uploaded on YouTube June 28, 2010

Tirso Serdena, the Kalutang master thanked this blogger who conceptualized and drafted the project, Preservation of the Art of Kalutang Playing presented to NCCA in 2008, and implemented from 2009.

(From 0:55 of the video) Serdena: "Pasasalamat sa mga taong naging dahilan ng katuparan ng proyektong ito - kay Mr. Eli Obligacion na siyang nagturo sa amin kung paanong magsumite ng proposal at maaprubahan ito ng NCCA..."

Kalutang playing is unique to Marinduque. Originally used as auditory signal by farmers, it later came to be associated with the moriones in the town of Gasan. Then in the 70's Tirso Serdena, a farmer, created a series of kalutang wooden instruments from twatingan and bayog trees endemic to Marinduque and used them together with other players to play popular folk melodies. It is now considered part of the town's - and Marinduque's - cultural treasures.

Tirso Serdena teaching the kids as part of  NCCA, Municipal Government of Gasan and Gasan DepEd project to preserve the art of Kalutang playing to elementary and high school students.

The National Commission for Culture & the Arts (NCCA), municipal government of Gasan under Mayor Vicky Lao-Lim, Gasan DepEd and Serdena implemented the said project in 2009, on the art of kalutang playing to elementary and high school students in Gasan town. All recognize the importance of handing down this unique skill to the next generation.

Also read:

Joining hands to preserve the Kalutang for the record