New FLKI Board elected as group bolsters Kapampangan cultural programs and SKK development

By Sonia P. Soto

The Foundation for Lingap Kapampangan, Inc. formally held its Annual General Membership Meeting (AGMM) on May 5, 2026 at the Sinukwan Room of the Santungan ning Kulturang Kapampangan, reaffirming its continuing commitment to the preservation, promotion, and sustainability of Kapampangan culture and heritage.

The meeting gathered trustees, cultural workers, advocates, professionals, and institutional partners involved in advancing Kapampangan heritage initiatives and the continuing development of SKK as an emerging cultural hub and convergence space for heritage, arts, education, and community participation.

During the meeting, FLKI President Engr. Ferdinand Z. Caylao and Executive Vice President Sonia P. Soto jointly presented the organization’s Development Reports covering major accomplishments and initiatives since the previous AGMM in May 2023.

Among the highlights discussed were the expansion of partnerships with local government units, schools, tourism stakeholders, artists, educators, and cultural institutions; intensified programs on Kapampangan language advocacy and heritage preservation; the continuing growth of SKK as a center for cultural collaboration and public engagement; and preparations for upcoming Sinukwan Festival-related cultural programming.

A financial analysis presented during the AGMM highlighted FLKI’s continuing commitment to sustaining major cultural and heritage programs despite the financial realities faced by many non-profit cultural organizations.

The report emphasized that through the generosity, dedication, and shared commitment of like-minded advocates of Kapampangan culture — beginning with the trustees themselves, partners, sponsors, cultural workers, and volunteers — FLKI has continued to sustain the Sinukwan Festival, cultural education initiatives, heritage advocacy programs, and the ongoing operations of the SKK and its museum-related activities.

The organization acknowledged that while large-scale cultural programming often requires complex coordination of sponsorships, partnerships, and resource mobilization efforts, the collective support of stakeholders has enabled FLKI to continue expanding its cultural initiatives and public engagement programs.

The body likewise expressed gratitude for the continuing support extended by advocates and partners of Kapampangan heritage, particularly acknowledging the Php 500,000 donation of Mr. Rene G. Romero in support of the continuing development and operations of SKK.

As part of its organizational strengthening efforts, the AGMM approved several major resolutions, including the adoption of membership classification policies, creation of standing committees, confirmation of the official membership registry, proposed amendments to the by-laws, and adoption of a proposed organizational structure for FLKI.

The meeting also elected the new Board of Trustees composed of Jose T. Lazatin, Rolando A. Rodriguez, Engr. Ferdinand Z. Caylao, Sonia P. Soto, Dr. Lourdes M. Javier, Ma. Theresa A. Laus, Atty. Mariano Domingo T. Santiago, and Irwin M. Nucum.

To further strengthen organizational operations and cultural programming, FLKI likewise organized and designated chairpersons for its standing committees:

• Programs and Cultural Development Committee – Sonia P. Soto
• Heritage Research and Publications Committee – Dr. Wilfredo Cunanan
• Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Committee – Michael Castañeda
• SKK Operations and Facilities Management Committee – Engr. Ricardo Pineda
• Communications and Advocacy Committee – Voltaire San Pedro
• Membership and Organizational Development Committee – Atty. Mary Grace M. Mallari
• Finance and Audit Committee – Rolando A. Rodriguez

It was likewise announced during the meeting that Ms. Agnes M. Romero has accepted FLKI’s invitation to once again serve as Chairperson of the Sinukwan Festival 2026. Ms. Romero previously chaired past editions of the festival and has long been recognized for her continuing support and contribution to Kapampangan cultural initiatives and heritage advocacy.

The announcement was warmly welcomed by members and participants, who expressed optimism that her leadership and experience will further strengthen the continuing development, visibility, and cultural significance of the Sinukwan Festival as one of Pampanga’s major heritage celebrations.

In his closing message, Trustee Rolando A. Rodriguez emphasized the importance of institutional strengthening, transparency, accountability, sustainability, and broader cultural participation as FLKI continues its mission of preserving and promoting Kapampangan heritage for future generations.

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