A youth-led community mural initiative, dubbed “Pintahang Pagkakaisa,” gathered young artists and residents in this city for two days to promote nationalism through public art.

Organized by the youth group Amare et Caritas, in partnership with the Philippine Army’s Joint Task Force Tacloban and other stakeholders, the two-day activity, which ended on Monday, aimed to foster patriotism, unity and civic responsibility through collaborative mural painting.

With the theme “Lupa ng Araw, Bayang Di Pasisiil,” participants created murals at the slope protection wall along the city’s Congressman Mate Avenue, depicting national pride, courage, and shared identity, transforming a public space into a visual expression of Filipino values.

Jon Ivan Torreros, president of the organization, underscored the role of art in shaping Filipino identity even before the colonial period.

“Our ancestors expressed their victories, their stories, their identity through art. That is our root. Art was how we told the world: ‘Ito kami,’” Torreros said in an interview.

He also noted the limitations of artificial intelligence in capturing human emotion and collective experience.

“Artificial intelligence can generate images, but it cannot generate emotion or solidarity,” he added.

Torreros said community-based creative activities like mural painting help build unity, as people from different sectors come together for a common purpose.

He emphasized that nationalism is a collective duty for Filipinos, with art acting as a potent way to express identity and sovereignty.

Local artist Hannah Cormero welcomed the initiative, saying it provided an avenue for creatives to collaborate and showcase their talents.

“The event was really good and it gave local artists the opportunity to come together and share their talent,” she said.

Residents and spectators also lauded the activity, noting that the murals enhanced the area’s visual appeal while conveying messages of unity and national pride.

Organizers said they hope to sustain similar initiatives to further engage the youth and strengthen community ties through art. (PNA)