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January 21, 2026 | 11:35am
MANILA, Philippines — The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in collaboration with the Intramuros Administration, formally kicked off the 2026 National Arts Month celebration through a presser and stakeholders' launch at the Centro de Turismo inside the Walled City of Manila.
"This annual event has shaped the concrete steps toward a stronger arts and culture platform inside Intramuros. We encourage the public to watch and listen to the many performances during the month-long celebration. Inclusivity is so much a part of our campaign," shared NCCA executive director Dr. Eric Zerrudo during the open forum.
The celebration of NAM 2026 is in line with Presidential Proclamation No. 683, which declares the month of February each year as a time to elevate Filipino arts and culture. The enduring power of the arts is there to inspire truth, courage, and creativity.
"Intramuros stands as a living cultural landscape. Culture and artistry meet inside the Walled City. It's time to celebrate creativity. This is our shared commitment in strengthening creative spaces and programs. We also celebrate the past as we embrace the future," said Joan Padilla, administrator of the Intramuros Administration.
This year's theme, "Ani ng Sining, Katotohanan at Giting," is shared by all sub-committees: Architecture, Dramatic Arts, Dance, Literary Arts, Music, Film, and Visual Arts.
"My love for our arts and culture was not something I was born to due to my mixed heritage. It was something that was grown, learned, and embodied," Catriona said in 2020, during her first year as arts ambassador.
"Last year, she reiterated on the transformative power of the arts. "I think it's really poignant to say that the creation process or pursuing creativity is something that not only feeds the soul, but also inspires others to create and to push what we think is possible. Art inspires, art uplifts," she added.
"Every year, I come as a lover of art. However, the pursuit of art can be frustrating at times. When you birth something but there's no engagement, especially on social media, which is considered the parameter of today, efforts can seem wasted. Here's hoping Filipino art elevates to global art," said the Miss Universe 2018, who graced the afternoon event in a beautifully crafted emerald Terno by Manny Halasan and styled by Justine Aliman.
The "Art Fridates" sessions feature open house performances and presentations in various venues around the country, starting with the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) "Likhang Pilipino" art fair at the Golden Shell Pavilion in Pasay City on February 1. Followed by Angono, Rizal (February 6), Province of Bulacan (February13), Biñan, Laguna (February 20), Quezon Province (February 27), and the City of Muntinlupa (March 6).
"It's one thing to admire films than to be in one. My admiration for film production has grown so much more," said Catriona, referring to her involvement in the upcoming movie "The Loved One," which topbills Jericho Rosales and Anne Curtis, slated for a Valentine week opening.
On the ofher hand, the regional openings start with Concert at the Park at the Luneta on February 1. The other provincial venues are Laguna (February 18-20), Palo, Leyte (February 18), Butuan City (February 13, 14, 21, 22, 24, 25, and 26), as well as Davao City on February 20. The culminating activity unfolds on February 27 at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.
The annual arts month celebration ensures that the Filipino culture remains a living, evolving force for the present and the country's future generations.
RELATED: Nat'l Arts Month 2025: NCCA celebrates settler communities architecture in Davao
