SAMBOAN, Cebu — A group of artists from this fourth-class municipality has earned a spot in the Top 100 finalists of the West Philippine Sea Mural Festival 2026, proving that distance from the disputed waters does not diminish a Filipino's duty to speak up. Their entry, painted on a wall in Barangay Poblacion, now represents Cebu's voice on a national stage.
From Nursing to Full-Time Artistry
Reynan D. Dingal trained as a nurse, but his heart always belonged to the canvas. He traces his inclination back to elementary school, where he first discovered the joy of drawing and painting. Today, he works as a full-time artist, channeling his emotions into vivid visual narratives that reflect the Filipino experience.
His latest work, created alongside the Santo Niño Mural Artists of Samboan, centers on the West Philippine Sea. The group poured their collective sentiments into the mural, using art as a medium for patriotism and peaceful expression. Every brushstroke carried the weight of national identity and maritime heritage.
A Community Rallies Behind Its Artists
The Santo Niño Mural Artists faced significant hurdles before completing their entry. With only about a month to meet the festival deadline, they also lacked sufficient funds for paint and materials. Festival rules required entries to measure at least 15 square meters and be painted in public spaces with written permission from property owners.
They approached the municipal government for help. Mayor Emerito Emmanuel D. Calderon Jr. responded by allocating funds from the town's savings to cover the cost of materials. The artists handled all the painting themselves, demonstrating resourcefulness and dedication. Calderon said the town was proud to support local talent and noted that this was all the artists requested.
Art as an Expression of Patriotism
Dingal emphasized that geography does not exempt Filipinos from caring about the West Philippine Sea. Though Samboan sits on Cebu's southwestern coast, far from the waters in question, he believes that distance does not lessen responsibility. The mural, he said, was their way of responding to an issue that affects the entire nation.
Mayor Calderon echoed this sentiment, noting that Samboan's own coastline shaped the town's interest in protecting marine resources. Known for its diving and snorkeling sites, the municipality understands the value of healthy oceans. The mayor added that the town will continue supporting resident-led projects that promote patriotism and could integrate West Philippine Sea discussions into local history lessons.
Recognition for a Small Town with Big Dreams
Their mural, titled "WPS: Wagayway ng Pilipinong Sambayanan sa Watawat ng Perlas ng Silanganan," was chosen from approximately 220 submissions nationwide. The festival, led by muralist AG Saño, uses public art to build awareness of the country's maritime heritage under the theme "Kulayan. Karagatan. Kalayaan."
All entries will be featured in a roadshow exhibit at the National Museum of the Philippines. Grand winners and special awardees will be announced at the festival's grand finals in November 2026. For Calderon, reaching the Top 100 is already a monumental achievement for a fourth-class municipality, and he expressed immense pride in what the artists have accomplished.
