GULF PROVINCE BACKS TOARE CULTURAL CENTRE WTH K80, 000 FUNDING

The Gulf Provincial Administration has committed K80, 000 to support the establishment of the Toare Cultural Centre, a ground-breaking cultural preservation initiative led by UNESCO in partnership with the National Cultural Commission (NCC) and the provincial government.

The cheque was officially handed over during a ceremony at the NCC Head Office in Port Moresby.

Attending the event were NCC Executive Director Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda, Gulf Provincial Administrator Mr. Clement Tare, Culture and Tourism Manager Mr. Oscar Evare, Gulf Music and Culture Association Chairman Mr. Alex Anthony, as well as the NCC staff.

Despite its proximity to the capital and its rich cultural heritage, Gulf Province has seen limited provincial support for cultural development in the past.

This latest move marks a turning point, with the Gulf government being the first to formally partner with NCC on a community-driven cultural initiative.

NCC Executive Director Mr. Kilanda expressed gratitude to the Gulf leadership and called on other provinces to follow suit.

“Culture doesn’t live in Port Moresby; it lives in our communities.”

“We need provincial governments, as cultural custodians, to work with us in delivering services that preserve our traditions and reduce social issues.”

Kilanda emphasized that cultural projects like the Toare Centre not only protect heritage but also engage communities, especially youth, in meaningful activities that help reduce law and order problems.

Mr. Tare echoed this sentiment, warning that youth disengagement is a growing issue in PNG.

“Our youth are a time bomb. We must involve them in cultural and tourism activities to keep them engaged, skilled, and connected to their roots.”

He also urged the NCC to go beyond hosting cultural events and to incorporate skills training into its programs to empower young people and build capacity at the community level.

“This collaboration is the first of its kind in Papua New Guinea, uniting an international body, a national agency, and a provincial government, to build a cultural center aimed at preserving traditions that risk fading away.”