By GABRIEL KATUHO
Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Belden Namah, has committed K500,000 towards the Bilasim Skin Festival following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Cultural Commission (NCC) and the Jiwaka Provincial Government recently in Port Moresby.
Joining Minister Namah at the signing ceremony were NCC Executive Director Steven Enob Kilanda, Jiwaka Governor Simon Kaiwi, and Jiwaka Provincial Administrator Rick Kogen.
The signing marks another significant milestone for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Jiwaka Province in their collective effort to preserve, promote and celebrate Papua New Guinea’s rich cultural heritage.
Namah said the province’s unwavering commitment to preserving its cultural heritage had given the NCC and the Ministry confidence to entrust Jiwaka with hosting the Bilasim Skin Festival on behalf of the Highlands Region.
“Jiwaka is blessed with breathtaking scenery and a people renowned for their warmth hospitality and strong sense of community,” he said.
“I am committing K500,000 towards Bilasim Skin Festival in Jiwaka Province which will now become one of National Events and will be registered in our National Events Calendar. It is a province that embodies the values of unity, peace and mutual respect that have long defined the Highlands way of life. It is these admirable qualities, together with the province’s unwavering commitment to preserving its cultural heritage, that have given us every confidence to entrust Jiwaka with the responsibility of hosting the ‘Bilasim Skin’ Festival on behalf of the Highlands Region.
The signing represents a shared commitment and strategic partnership aimed at preserving Papua New Guinea’s cultural identity while harnessing culture as a catalyst for economic growth and national development.
In recent months, the NCC, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, signed similar MoUs with the provincial governments of New Ireland, Western Highlands and Enga.
“Today’s agreement with Jiwaka Provincial Government further strengthens our collective national effort to promote and develop Papua New Guinea’s rich and diverse cultural heritage through our regional thematic festivals,” he said.
“Through this partnership, Jiwaka Province will become the home of the Bilasim Skin Festival, one of Papua New Guinea’s four Regional Thematic Festivals. This unique event will celebrate the extraordinary body art, traditional adornments and cultural expressions of the Highlands people, providing an authentic platform for communities to proudly showcase their heritage,” Namah said.
“Beyond the spectacular displays of colour and creativity, the Bilasim Skin Festival will serve as a powerful driver of tourism, creating opportunities for small businesses, artisans, performers, tour operators and local communities. It will attract visitors, generate income and place Jiwaka firmly on the tourism map of Papua New Guinea and the wider world,” he stated.
“When we protect our traditions, languages, dances and customs, we preserve the very essence of who we are as a people. At the same time, we create opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.”
Namah further stated that the MoU lays the foundation for broader cultural initiatives in the province. He added that, in partnership with the NCC, efforts would focus on program aimed at safeguarding traditional knowledge, strengthening cultural groups, preserving heritage sites, and developing tourism products that will improve livelihoods for the people.
Governor Simon Kaiwi thanked NCC and Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for the partnership. He also thanked Minister Namah for the timely funding support to boost the tourism sector in province.
He said the initiative would help ensure that younger generations understand and preserve their cultural heritage.
“Young people today do not know their culture and that is a sad scenario. So, the festival is aimed at promoting and preserving our cultures so that it can be passed on to the generations.”