Robredo asks artists to ‘teach’ gov’t how to help PHL art

Vice President Leni Robredo looks at the featured artworks at the "Artist's Hand: From Stage to Canvas" exhibit at Solaire on Wednesday, July 6, 2016. The exhibit aims to pool funds for ailing artists. At the event the vice president asked the artists to guide the government on how to help them. Photos: Rose-An Jessica Dioquino

Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday called on artists to "teach" the government how it can assist the Philippine art scene.

Speaking before a group of theater and visual artists, Robredo acknowledged their contributions to society by serving as "inspiration" through their work.

She also noted that many encounter work and living difficulties in this field.

"Alam natin na hindi biro ang pinagdaraanan ng marami sa inyo and I think the least the government can do is to help out," she said.

Robredo, who was sworn into office last week, also noted that some Filipino artists rallied behind her during her campaign.

She was the guest of honor at the opening of "Artist's Hand: From Stage to Canvas," a benefit exhibit staged by artists who wish to help out ailing colleagues with their medical expenses.

Here, the vice president sought their suggestions on how her office can be of assistance to Filipino artists.

"Marami pong bagay ang pwedeng maitulong ng gobyerno and I would be very honest, I need you to guide me. I need you to guide me and make me understand how we can help you," she said.

She added: "Your art should continue to be a unifying force for all the Filipino people. I hope that henceforth we will get to work together. Sabi ko po kanina I'm facing a blank page, so turuan n'yo ako kung paano po namin kayo matutulungan."

Vice President Leni Robredo receives a painting from theater artist Frank Rivera at the event.

Artists whose works are featured in the exhibit welcomed Robredo's assistance.

They underscored the need for aid, in particular for medical expenses whenever some in their field fall ill.

"'Di ba maraming nangangailangan ng medical help kapag tumatanda, at wala na masyadong trabaho," television and theater actress Susan Africa told GMA News Online.

She added: "Mainly financial support from the government. Medical help also. Because we're not regular employees, so wala kaming benefits like SSS, PhilHealth. These are benefits sana for people na nagbibigay naman ng karangalan sa Pilipinas, pero sadly hindi napapansin." — BM, GMA News