The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Cultural Exchange brings the 2026 Kaisa sa Sining (KSS) Apprenticeship Program (AP) to Tagum City from July 22-31.
Now on its 8th edition, the City of Tagum Cultural Center will be the official venue of the program, specifically at the Herminigildo Balayo MD Hall. This year’s apprentices total 24 from 17 KSS organizations nationwide. The hands-on training modules are designed to enhance the competence level and skills of regional cultural workers in technical theater (sound and lights), and stage and production management. The roster of trainors, facilitators, and resource speakers is prominent in their respective fields, including Arnelio Manzano, Joey Nombres, Renz Sevilla, and Chinggay Bernardo. Mentoring on specific work areas in arts and theater with accompanying lectures, interactions, demonstrations, case studies, and practical applications are included in the program.
Three apprentices from the 2026 batch expressed their goals and hopeful takeaways from their training:
“I hope to take home not only additional knowledge but also valuable hands-on experiences in technical theater. Through this opportunity, I aim to deepen my understanding of the various aspects of technical production, especially sound and lighting design. I look forward to learning from experienced professionals and developing new technical skills.”
Jm Janssen Poyaoan, St. Louis University, Baguio City
“I would like to gain technical skills and training in Production Management because our office regularly conducts and hosts various programs and events in the province. This training will help me better understand event production and improve my ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver successful activities.”
Frank Cancio, Tourism Office, Province of Capiz
“I wish to take home the skills I will gain to improve my professional competence, increase my productivity, and enable me to contribute more effectively to my institution. Ultimately, the knowledge and experience gained from the 2026 KSS AP will support my continuous growth as an individual and educator who values innovation, collaboration, and lifelong learning.”
Lexter Gucela, St. Francis Xavier College
San Francisco, Agusan del Sur
The apprenticeship is one of the support programs that the CCP CED provides for its KSS network, which to date has 80 members nationwide composed of local government units, educational institutions, and community-based organizations. In the past seven years, a total of 188 apprentices from 102 local communities have completed the program and were trained-mentored on arts, production, stage and tour management, technical theater (lights and sounds), film & new media, visual arts, production design, venue operations, library & archives, video production, & cultural exchange.
The 2026 KSS apprenticeship program is being implemented in partnership with the Musikahan sa Tagum Foundation, the City of Tagum, and the Tagum City Tourism Arts and Culture Council.