Borrowed artworks on display at Capitol in lieu of lavish décor

CEBU, Philippines - Instead of spending taxpayers’ money for lavish wall decors, Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III has opted to borrow paintings from local artists and displayed them at the Capitol.

“Tanan paintings makita nimo diri sa Capitol. These are borrowed from a collector in Talisay, from Marilyn Santos. She bought these from local artists. At the same time ang thrust gud sa atong government ron, we make this a good area for local artists to display their artwork,” said provincial information officer Ethel Natera.

Natera said around 20 paintings of different sizes are on display, since early this month, at the office of Davide, his conference room, and at the hallways. These paintings may cost a hefty sum if bought, but Davide decided to just borrow them, as also agreed by Santos, a collector-friend of the governor who buys artworks from Cebuano artists.

Natera said the Capitol has opened its doors to artists who may also want to display their art pieces. “Og naay artist ganahan mo-display, they can just come and negotiate. Because we do this to showcase the local talents,” she said.

“This is really a good idea. Kaysa mopalit pa ta og mga painting, mahal ra ba,” she added. (FREEMAN)