Santa Rita Showcases Local Artistry and Products in Courtesy Visit to Philippine Embassy in Vietnam

A duman-inspired sculpture was formally presented to the Philippine Embassy in Vietnam as part of the cultural diplomacy promotional activities of the Municipality of Santa Rita, Pampanga on February 23, 2026. Homegrown artist Ron Salazar crafted the glass-and-steel artwork symbolizing Santa Rita’s traditional delicacy.

Mayor Reynan Calo, through Municipal Administrator Earl Tongol, delivered the customized sculpture during a courtesy visit. Vice Consul Danica Denise M. Manicad received the Municipality’s token together with other local delicacies such as turrones de casoy and a duman sampler.

“This is one way of connecting Santa Rita to Vietnam because Mayor Calo’s vision for our municipality is to become an agritourism lifestyle hub,” Tongol said as he expounds on Vietnam’s role as a benchmark for Santa Rita in the agritourism industry.

For her part, Vice Consul Manicad offered the Embassy’s assistance for potential partnerships on both cultural and economic exchange.

“On behalf of Ambassador Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III, we extend our gratitude to the LGU for opening opportunities for Philippine localities and Vietnam,” Manicad said. Aside from the promotion of Ritenian products to the Filipino and foreign market in Vietnam, she also affirmed that sister-municipality agreements may also be explored.

This initiative is in line with Mayor Calo’s strategic objective of enhancing the tourism viability of Santa Rita through promotion of local products. The presentation of the local art piece also highlighted the promotion of local artists’ creative excellence in commemoration of the National Arts Month in the Philippines.

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