District Gallery Opens Inaugural Group Show ‘Inhabit’ on June 25

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District Gallery Is A Newly Organized Art Gallery located at Arts Above West Venue building along West Avenue, Quezon City and is founded by The Artist Playground, an arts and performance company. The gallery aims to inspire, engage, excite and connect people through contemporary art. It is committed to providing a collaborative space and environment for emerging and established artists and likewise aims to maximize local and global opportunities thru institutional partnerships.

Fittingly, the inaugural show Inhabit showcases District Gallery as much it is about the exhibition. "Inhabit" thematizes on change, adaptation and speculation of reuse and negotiating the indelible traces of previous use and function as in this case, portions of a tax collection office that has been left unused and underutilized for a long time.

With this premise and context, various artist came up with different creative responses to dramatize such act of take-over and settling-in beyond the confines of spaces but possibly of habits, traditions and ideas. To open this new space is an act of embracing possibility.

The organizers of this newly christened artspace believes that artmaking can be produced and displayed anywhere beyond the usual precints of art. But more importantly, the gallery aims to be not only a place to view art but also to act as a community hub in which artists of all kind and disciplines as well as their followers can come to experience in ways the gallery

"Inhabit" gathers together artists of different creative persuasions, all of whom has made their own mark in the local art scene. These are : Mideo Cruz, Raquel de Loyola, Jes Aznar, Cian Dayrit, Buen Abrigo, Frances Abrigo, Cheese, Archie Oclos and Nasser Lubay.

DOTr Reiterates Strict Observance of its Bidding Processes

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Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade reiterated his directive to DOTr officials, as well as to interested parties in all projects of the Department, that he shall enforce strict observance of bidding and procurement processes, and shall not entertain nor tolerate discussions and negotiations that are not prescribed under the law.

The Transportation Chief likewise stressed his principle of not meddling with the affairs of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC).

“The BAC should be an independent body from the Secretary. I will not allow anyone to discuss with me projects that are undergoing procurement. I will only be open to official discussions once the procurement process has been finalized, and complete documentation is already on my table. Maging strikto tayo sa pagsunod sa proseso para hindi tayo mabahiran ng korapsyon,” Secretary Tugade said.

Last May, the DOTr has started the online livestreaming of procurement processes for all projects of the Department to promote transparency, accountability and good governance.

Since its activation, DOTr has livestreamed a total of twenty-nine (29) projects, twenty-one (21) of which were covered during the Pre-bid Conference, while eight (8) projects were covered during the Opening of Bids. The online livestreams can be seen in the official DOTr Facebook page.

Secretary Tugade has urged the public to monitor and observe the Department’s bidding and procurement proceedings and to report any anomalous incidents.

“I am serious with my no-corruption campaign inside the DOTr. I encourage everyone to remain vigilant in our fight against the corruption. Isa man dito ang mahuli ko, lalagutin ko,” Secretary Tugade said.

DOTr Secretary Tugade Directs Heightened Security Measures in All Transport Hubs

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Mandaluyong City, Philippines—Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade yesterday ordered his key officials to put in place heightened security measures in all transport hubs in the country, and emphasized that public safety is the topmost priority of his administration.

The Transport Chief stressed the need for consistent visibility of security personnel in transport facilities to prevent untoward incidents and to deter lawless elements from conducting activities detrimental to passengers.

 “Let us be visible and vigilant in the service of country...para sa Pilipino at Inang Bayan,” Secretary Tugade said.

In response, Undersecretary for Aviation Capt. Manuel Antonio “Skee” Tamayo yesterday directed aviation authorities to post sufficiently armed roving uniformed and covert security personnel within the premises of all airports and other installations. Immediately, Manila International Airport (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal implemented the directive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Complex.

“Let’s do this in all airports— parking, arrival, lobby, departure, check in, immigration, boarding, waiting and greeting areas. We must have roving organic and security personnel,” Sec Tugade said.

The Transportation Secretary likewise underscored the need for all security personnel to always be on alert and adopt the “buddy system” while roving.

“Walang guwardiyang pa-upo-upo at pabanying-banying. No personal calls,” the Secretary emphasized.

Secretary Tugade’s order on heightened security in all transport facilities is in light of the security threat posed by the Maute Terrorist Group, which has besieged Marawi City and resulted in the President’s declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao.

It may be recalled that the Transportation Chief, through Department Order (D.O.) No. 2017-008 dated June 5, 2017, has put the control and supervision of security operations in all seaports nationwide under the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).