Cover National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ newly inducted chairman Eric B Zerrudo shares what to expect at the upcoming National Arts Month (Photo: NCCA)
National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ newly inducted chairman Eric B Zerrudo shares what to expect at the upcoming National Arts Month (Photo: NCCA)
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As the calendar turns to February, the Philippines prepares to embrace its annual celebration of creativity, heritage and identity with the National Arts Month
In line with Presidential Proclamation No. 683, the country observes National Arts Month every February, a mandate that designates this period for the celebration of Filipino art and culture. Leading the charge is the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), which has unveiled a robust lineup of festivities for this year’s National Arts Month. Anchored by the profound theme, “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Giting” (Harvest of the Arts: Truth and Courage), the 2026 celebration underscores the arts as a vessel for truth-telling, bravery and the promotion of peace and development.
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Above NCCA Ambassador for the Arts Catriona Gray with the Las Cuerdas de Angono, a youth rondalla band (Photo: NCCA)
NCCA Ambassador for the Arts Catriona Gray with the Las Cuerdas de Angono, a youth rondalla band (Photo: NCCA)
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The 2026 iteration is not merely a showcase of talent but a strategic cultural movement. Aligned with the Philippine Development Plan for Culture and the Arts aimed to address particular Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the National Arts Month highlights how artistic expression mirrors the shared realities and collective aspirations of the Filipino people. From the historic walled city of Intramuros to the vibrant communities of Mindanao, this month’s festivities promise to be an inclusive, nationwide engagement, spotlighting the seven art forms that NCCA fosters: architecture and allied arts, cinema, dance, dramatic arts, literary arts, music and visual arts.
At the forefront of this cultural crusade is Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, who continues her enduring partnership with the NCCA. Gray begins her seventh consecutive year as the NCCA Ambassador for the Arts, a role she has held with distinction since 2020. Her journey began formally in 2020, alongside fellow music artists KZ Tandingan and Julie Anne San Jose, and has since evolved into a sustained advocacy for the preservation and promotion of Philippine heritage.
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Above Committee members of the NCCA that represent its subcommissions (Photo: NCCA)
Committee members of the NCCA that represent its subcommissions (Photo: NCCA)
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Reflecting on her roots, Gray once noted that her love for Filipino arts and culture was “grown, learnt and embodied” rather than innate, highlighting her dedication to embracing her heritage. Throughout the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021 and 2022, she remained a steadfast advocate, adapting to digital platforms to champion Filipino creativity during a time of physical restrictions. Her involvement expanded significantly as restrictions eased in 2023 and 2024, seeing her return to communal spaces to support touring performances and inclusive activities like the Sayaw Pinoy National TikTok Dance Challenge.
For the celebration of the National Arts Month in 2025, Gray’s presence remained central. She graced the opening festivities on February 3 in Intramuros, where the NCCA unveiled a Singkaban-inspired façade and hosted a parade of student performers. In her message to the public, Gray emphasised the poignant nature of creativity, stating, “The creation process or pursuing creativity is something that feeds the soul, but also inspires others to create—to push what we think is possible. Art inspires, art uplifts.” Her seven-year ambassadorship stands as a testament to the power of the arts to inspire truth and courage, reinforcing the responsibility to cultivate deeper public appreciation for culture.
Above Adamson Chorale performs at the press conference of the National Arts Month (Photo: NCCA)
Adamson Chorale performs at the press conference of the National Arts Month (Photo: NCCA)
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The official nationwide kick-off for National Arts Month 2026 is scheduled for February 1 at Luneta Park in Manila. The grand launch is designed as a symbolic, performance-driven programme centred around the lampara (lamp), the key symbol for this year’s festivities. Representing light, truth and courage, the ceremonial passing of the lampara traces the lineage of Philippine art—from its indigenous roots and institutions down to the masses and the next generation.
The Luneta programme promises a dynamic fusion of rituals, regional traditions and contemporary expressions, including spoken word and fashion. Audiences can expect performances from renowned groups such as the UST Salinggawi, UST Singers and the Philippine Ballet Theater, alongside participation from LGBTQ+ artist Monica Amanda Gana. These performances are curated to highlight the richness and diversity of Philippine arts, culminating in a “Parada ng mga Sining”, a parade showcasing the seven art forms through elaborate costumes and creativity.
Above Signing of the memorandum of understanding between Intramuros Administration (Atty Joan M Padilla) and the NCCA (Eric B Zerrudo) for the continuing of the institutions’ partnership (Photo: NCCA)
Signing of the memorandum of understanding between Intramuros Administration (Atty Joan M Padilla) and the NCCA (Eric B Zerrudo) for the continuing of the institutions’ partnership (Photo: NCCA)
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True to its mandate of inclusivity, the NCCA has decentralised the celebration, ensuring that the spirit of the National Arts Month 2026 is felt across the three major island groups.
In Luzon, the festivities will be anchored in Los Baños, Laguna, from February 18 to 20. Partnering with ARTIST, Inc, this leg focuses on dramatic arts and the architecture and allied arts. The event opens with workshops and discussions at the ART Center, fostering dialogue among students, professionals and community members. A highlight of the Luzon celebration is a collaborative theatre production staged at the D. L. Umali Hall of UP Los Baños on February 19, which explores the intersection of drama and architecture. A unique weaving performance will further illustrate how the arts shape spaces and communities.
Above NCCA Subcommissioner for Dance Lordinio Vergara shares the lineup of activities for National Arts Month (Photo: NCCA)
NCCA Subcommissioner for Dance Lordinio Vergara shares the lineup of activities for National Arts Month (Photo: NCCA)
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In the Visayas, the celebration takes on a poignant and urgent theme. Centred in Palo, Leyte, the festivities operate under the theme “Pag-uswag han Tawo ngan Kalibungan” (climate justice), linking human development with environmental sustainability. The region kicked off its activities early with a climate justice symposium on January 12, which gathered 150 participants to discuss the role of culture in climate action. This will lead into the official celebration on February 18, guided by the insights gathered during the symposium.
Mindanao will host dual celebrations in Butuan City and Davao City, both centering on themes of peace and access. In Butuan, activities run throughout mid- to late-February under the theme “Lawig Mindanaw: Kalinaw ug Kahigayunan”. Highlights include Bagani Hong Lawod, a theatre production by Balangay Repertory Theatre bringing ancient stories to life, and the Sine Balangay film showcase. Meanwhile, Davao City will celebrate from February 20 to 21 with the theme, “Ang Yuta, ang Tawo ug ang Kalinaw” (The Land, the People, and Peace). This leg will feature a multimedia performance reflecting Mindanao’s narratives, showcasing the talents of local choreographers, visual artists and students.
Above NCCA gifts Catriona Gray a painting made by an Angono artist as a token of appreciation (Photo: NCCA)
NCCA gifts Catriona Gray a painting made by an Angono artist as a token of appreciation (Photo: NCCA)
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To ensure the celebration permeates the entire month, the NCCA has introduced a new initiative called “Art FriDates”. This weekly platform invites artists and cultural workers to showcase their creativity at the Blackbox Theater, Likhang Pilipino Complex in Pasay City every Friday of February.
Six local and provincial government units are set to participate, including Angono, Bulacan, Biñan, Quezon Province and Muntinlupa. These events are free to the public, offering an open house at 2pm followed by performances at 4pm, providing a consistent space for artistic engagement throughout the month.
Above Intramuros Administration Administrator Atty Joan M Padilla, NCCA Chair Eric B Zerrudo, NCCA Ambassador for the Arts Catriona Gray, NCCA Subcommissioner for Dance Lordinio Vergara (Photo: NCCA)
Intramuros Administration Administrator Atty Joan M Padilla, NCCA Chair Eric B Zerrudo, NCCA Ambassador for the Arts Catriona Gray, NCCA Subcommissioner for Dance Lordinio Vergara (Photo: NCCA)
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As National Arts Month 2026 unfolds, it stands as a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of Filipino culture. Through the sustained advocacy of ambassadors like Gray and the diverse programming across the islands, the NCCA ensures that culture remains a living, evolving force. The month-long celebration is expected to conclude with the Ani ng Dangal 2026 awards, the dates for which will be announced soon. In these challenging times, National Arts Month 2026 offers a vital reminder: that art is not just a display of beauty, but a harvest of truth and a beacon of courage for the nation.
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Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
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Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
