National Arts Month

Around the world, Filipinos are known for their talents, be it singing, dancing, and even acting. These talents are recognized and developed, which contribute to the richness of the Filipino art culture.

The heritage is not complete without celebrating and recognizing each talent and that contribute to the richness of the local culture. In the Philippines, National Arts Month is celebrated every February to promote Philippine arts, including music, dance, visual arts, architecture, film, and literature. This was declared by then President Corazon Aquino through Proclamation No. 683, signed January 28, 1991.

Yearly, regional festivities happen so as to promote the local culture and arts. Festivities feature the artistic skills of Filipino people through exhibits, competitions, performances and such. The celebration of the National Arts Month started in 1991, which was spearheaded by the National Committee on the Culture and Arts (NCCA) that started only in Metro Manila until it spread across regions. Now, various provinces and institutions celebrate the month-long festivity, helping to promote the artistic side of the Filipinos through events held by different local communities.

Every year, there is a designated theme for the said celebration. When it comes to each event, the Local Government Units (LGUs) are the ones assigned to implement and organize activities. Some regular events include Cinema Paraiso, SMS Poetry Writing Contest, and Sayaw Pinoy. Several visual arts, flag ceremonies, theater festivals are also some of the event highlights every National Arts month. Through these activities, it has helped enhance the Filipino culture by enriching the art and practice of these pillars.

By celebrating the National Arts month, talents of Filipino artists are being recognized again. Also, this helps in promoting its homegrown talents to the world stage, by bringing out the best in the local art scene.