MANILA, Philippines - The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) gathered together the Filipino artists and artistic groups that garnered gold in international arts festivals and competitions, and presented them with Ani ng Dangal awards in recognition of their exemplary performances. This is the first time that the Commission gave such award in the 18 years of the National Arts Month–Philippine International Arts Festival (NAM-PIAF), which featured performances, exhibits, and activities that fused together culture, history, and the arts.
Twenty-one choral groups and five individuals were given the award in the field of music, seven in dance, five in visual arts, three in literary arts, and 14 in film and broadcast.
Awards presenters and special guests during the ceremony included DSWD Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral, National Artists F. Sionil Jose, Bienvenido Lumbera, and Eddie Romero, and Manila Heritage official Gemma Cruz Araneta.
NCCA is headed by its chairman, DepEd Usec. Vilma Labrador and executive director Cecile Guidote Alvarez with artistic committee head and NAM festival manager Ricky de Ungria.