The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in partnership with the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia successfully inaugurated Sentro Rizal (SR) Kuala Lumpur on 31 May 2024. With the establishment of Sentros in all ASEAN Member States, this initiative shall strengthen the Philippines’ cultural presence in the whole of Southeast Asia.

Chair Victorino Mapa Manalo addressed the inauguration by underscoring the essential role of the youth in promoting Philippine culture, and the responsibility of the Sentro Rizal as a platform to reach out, empower, and enhance the critical thinking of young Filipinos through the arts.

SR Kuala Lumpur featured two inaugural activities focused on the gastronomic culture of the Philippines. NCCA Youth and SR Ambassador Josh Cullen Santos of SB19, led the storytelling of “Iba’t Ibang Lasa” and “Haluhalo Espesyal” for Filipino-Malaysian children. Chef Datu Shariff Khaled Pendatun conducted a cooking demo-lecture and tasting of Filipino Muslim dishes for the event attendees.

Sentro Rizal is the Philippine government’s cultural arm that envisions culturally-literate overseas Filipino communities. On its 13th founding anniversary this June, the Sentro Rizal aims to engage more overseas Filipinos and foreign nationals in its programs and activities.