Senator Loren Legarda, principal advocate of the Philippines’ participation within the Venice Biennale, welcomed the profitable opening of the Philippine Pavilion on the prestigious worldwide artwork exhibition in Venice, Italy.
The Philippine Pavilion, titled Sea of Love / Dagat ng Pag-ibig, opened on the Arsenale in Venice. Curated by Mara Gladstone and that includes works by artist Jon Cuyson, the exhibition pays tribute to Filipino seafarers whose labor sustains world commerce whereas remaining largely unseen throughout the worldwide provide chain.
Legarda emphasised that the exhibition situates the Filipino seafarer throughout the broader narrative of migration, labor, and nationwide identification.
“Sea of Love/Dagat ng Pag-ibig brings this actuality into focus by honoring the Filipino seafarer, an important but usually unseen presence within the world provide chain,” Legarda mentioned. “By way of this exhibition, we acknowledge their contribution not solely to the worldwide financial system, but additionally to the enduring story of the Filipino folks.”
The senator likewise underscored the exhibition’s environmental dimension, noting that the Pavilion highlights the pressing duty to guard marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
“The ocean additionally teaches us a deeper lesson: reciprocity. What sustains us should even be protected,” she mentioned. “For an archipelagic nation, caring for our oceans is inseparable from caring for our communities.”
Legarda has been the principal power behind the Philippines’ sustained participation within the Venice Biennale for the reason that nation’s historic return in 2015 after a 51-year absence. By way of her initiative, the Philippines reestablished its presence in what’s extensively considered one of many world’s most essential platforms for modern artwork and cultural diplomacy.
“Our return to La Biennale di Venezia in 2015 marked a renewed dedication to sustaining a Philippine presence in world cultural dialogue. This Pavilion displays that persevering with effort,” Legarda mentioned.
She added that the Philippine Pavilion demonstrates how tradition can strengthen worldwide understanding and mission nationwide identification past borders.
“By way of tradition, a nation expresses its dignity amongst others,” Legarda mentioned.
The senator counseled the work of curator Mara Gladstone and artist Jon Cuyson. She additionally acknowledged the Nationwide Fee for Tradition and the Arts, the Philippine Arts in Venice Biennale Coordinating Committee, and the Division of Overseas Affairs for his or her collective effort in efficiently mounting the Philippine Pavilion on the 61st Worldwide Artwork Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia.
Positioned on the Arsenale, the Philippine Pavilion is open to the general public from Could 9 to Nov. 22, 2026.
