The Okada Foundation Inc has recently pledged PHP25.0 million (US$451,724) to the Young Musicians Development Organization (YMDO), a body committed to supporting young Filipino musicians, according to a recent press release.
The foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of the Okada Manila casino resort in the Philippine capital.
The announcement cited Irene Marcos-Araneta, programme director and chairwoman of the YMDO, as saying that the support from the Okada Foundation represented a significant investment in the future of Philippine arts and youth development.
“It is a privilege to witness the transformation of these young musicians,” said Ms Marcos-Araneta. “Their energy, their discipline, it all points to a brighter future for Filipino culture.”
James Lorenzana, president of the Okada Foundation, said in prepared remarks: “Supporting YMDO’s mission aligns with our vision of empowering the next generation. In uplifting these young artists, we safeguard the cultural soul of our nation.”
Ms Marcos-Araneta and Mr Lorenzana attended recently the finale of the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band’s (PYSB) “24th Summer Youth Music Camp”, where 80 young musicians from across the country took part in a concert.
The PYSB Summer Youth Music Camp is described as a “vital institution for nurturing musical talent” in the Philippines. Participants aged 8 to 24 engage in an intensive nine-day residency, and among the 80 participants, “60 are selected each year to comprise the core of the PYSB,” according to the statement.
