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A post shared by CulturalCenterofthePhilippines (@culturalcenterph) on Sep 26, 2019 at 8:44am PDT

MANILA -- The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) announced Friday that it is realigning its artistic programs as the battle against the novel coronavirus continues.

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In a statement, CCP said its main goal now is "protecting lives and livelihoods while continuing to deliver educational and inspiring content to Filipinos on alternative platforms."

To achieve this, it listed strategies such as using alternative modes of engagement, continuing to employ and train artists and cultural workers for these initiatives, and collaborating with others to digitize content and create new markets and job opportunities.

CCP mentioned the following programs to be prioritized: Arts and Culture Online, Live Arts on Lockdown, and Arts for Therapy and Capacity Building.

Arts and Culture Online kicked off in early April with the video streaming of past and edited recordings.

A "time capsule to document the arts in the time of COVID" as well as virtual reality galleries are in the works, with CCP seeking tie-ups for education, fundraising, and communication efforts.

June's Virgin Labfest will serve as the initial test for CCP's Live Arts on Lockdown program, which aims to equip artists and production staff with skills to do online production and delivery.

The Arts for Therapy program will feature modules on mental wellness and pursuing arts for healing activities, such as pocket concerts of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Capacity Building program, meanwhile, will provide training modules for artists and cultural workers on art therapy and online technology.

"COVID-19 continues to impact all aspects of people's lives. With quarantine, social distancing and lockdowns, the arts and culture sector has suffered from cancellation of shows and events and closure of venues," CCP said.

"With the realignment of its programs, CCP hopes to build on its strengths and keep true to its mission of making arts matter to the lives of Filipinos," it added.