Representatives of the National Association of Mejoranitors of Panama met with the Minister of Culture, María Eugenia Herrera, the deputy Minister of Culture, Arianne Benedetti and directors of the entity, with the aim of presenting a proposal to review the status of the safeguard of the manufacture, teaching and use of mejorana / or best practice, an instrument that by history and tradition should accompany the singing of the tenth Panamanian.

The assistants will work together to revise Act 366 of 6 February 2023, which amended and added articles to Act 47 of 2012 for its regulations and a representative commission will be established.

With the regulations of this law, the best men aim to give the mejorana legal protection, to put in place measures for its conservation, to promote its dissemination and to ensure the continuity of this tradition for future generations.

During the meeting, Minister María Eugenia Herrera expressed her support to the artists and called them to organize them formally. He also called them to propose a link that will facilitate co-work with professionals at the Ministry of Culture with the aim of regulating mejorana's teaching, setting up schools and shaping a National Network of Mejoraneros.

Manuel Córdoba Regalado, president with responsibility for the National Association of Mejoraneros, emphasized that: "The mejorana is a multidimensional cultural manifestation and expression that reflects how vast sections of the Panamanian population express their ideas, values, beliefs, traditions and experiences.

That handcrafted musical instrument, with five strings tuned with ancestral techniques, produces autochthonous melodies that serve as a basis for singing and guide a particular way to dance. "

Efraín Gutiérrez Herrera, a music teacher and researcher at folklore, shared his more than 60-year-old experience with the mejorana, which she learned at age 7 with a relative. As a folchlorist, she has been applying the teaching of this instrument to youth from different regions of the country, including Ngäbe- Buglé, Coclesito, Pedasi, Veraguas, Darién and Herrera.

"Our instrument is unique and represents a central part of our culture. Young people are awaking an interest in our traditional instruments, thus ensuring the continuity of this valuable tradition," Gutiérrez added.

The Decimers sang thank you in honor of the Minister of Culture and his team.