Saan Ka Lulugar 2025 highlights placemaking through Filipino architecture

"SAAN ka Lulugar (SKL) 2025: Resiliency in the built and design environment," a flagship project of the National Committee on Architecture and Allied Arts (NCAAA), headed by Cathe Desiree Nadal, took place at the Kublai Art Garden in Digos City, Davao Del Sur on February 22-25 as part of the National Arts Month (NAM) celebration.

FOCUS ON LOCAL ARCHITECTURE Saan Ka Lulugar holds architecture workshops, among other activities, for the National Arts Month 2025. PHOTO FROM NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR CULTURE AND THE ARTS

Established in 2021, SKL is a series of seminars, walking tours and workshops that extend the architecture and the allied arts dialogue to the community. This year, SKL banners the theme "Bayan Ko, Saan Ka Lulugar sa Aming Diwa't Damdamin?". It expresses a dynamic synergy between thought and feeling (intellect and emotion) in defining a person's place, an intergenerational approach of showcasing the role of architecture and the allied arts, truly bringing in our shared narrative in nation-building.

SKL 2025 brought discussion on values that are truly Filipino to the forefront, and served as a platform in exploring the intellectual understanding (mind) and emotional connection (heart) of the evolving concept of home using the lens of culture and the arts through workshops, talks and a walking tour.

The activities highlighted the diverse viewpoints and relevance of the country's architecture and allied arts in each featured region. Additionally, the project seeks to emphasize the importance of design, the physical environment and artistic expressions in expressing our shared goals and hardships as a nation.

The month of February is National Arts Month by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 683, signed in 1991 by then President Corazon Aquino, and SKL is a part of the overall celebration.

For 2025, National Commission for Culture and the Arts' NAM celebration banners the theme "Ani ng sining: Diwa at damdamin" (Harvest of the arts: Soul and passion), emphasizing that creativity of a nation springs forth from the spirit and passion of its people.