PBBM and Phl culture

Most recently, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his continuous support in promoting Filipino culture and the preservation and protection of the country’s cultural heritage in a speech at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Ani ng Dangal (Harvest of Honors) awarding ceremony in Malacañang.

In the age of digital transformation and fast-paced  content creation as well as re-creation, such a celebration, more so protection, is befitting of our current times. Yet, the timelessness of our own heritage deserves the proper attention, especially to date, in order for us to rise.

My grand uncle Anding Roces, National Artist and champion of culture and the arts, focused on the neglected aspects of the Filipino cultural heritage while celebrating humor, hope and resilience – the very same things that still best describe the Filipino spirit today.

During the 15th Ani ng Dangal awarding ceremony held at Malacañan Palace in Manila, President Marcos Jr. instructed the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to support Filipino artists who make significant contributions to the development and promotion of Philippine arts and culture. The President also emphasized the importance of investing in the arts industry to boost the country’s economic growth and improve the lives of Filipinos.

Perhaps, as we all know by now, arts and culture provide society with creative insights that open doors for innovation and productivity and, as it should, for conservation. Through arts and culture, people learn to unite and relate better to one another. Through the arts, people gain the capacity to bridge gaps between different groups of different cultural backgrounds, simply because it is in the end the story of US.

Arts and culture is said to be one of the most dynamic methods that can influence human behavior. The arts is an industry that, apart from it giving meaning to our lives, provides jobs, promotes tourism and stimulates the local economies – all of which, in his speech, President Marcos Jr. explained.

The Philippines, as it has been said, is a melting pot of western and eastern cultures and Filipino art that is passed on from generation to generation has provided our people with great influence and knowledge as such are the treasures of our past – the gateway to our identity.

When it comes to talent, Filipinos are known to be one of the most inspiring and promising in the world and perhaps, it is thanks to our history.

Over a few drinks and long discussions among friends not too long ago, I couldn’t help but point out the number of times some of them uttered the famous expression “only in the Philippines” (myself included) and, as we aired out some of our frustrations over a variety of things, I realized, in a strange eureka moment (a side effect from the wine), that perhaps – and if only – we could try to apply the same expression for the most unique and even the most underrated Filipino sites, practices and traditions that have made our history so rich and valuable over time, then maybe we could find better ways to improve as well as invest in the future of the country.

The arts is certainly one way and surely there is great potential yet to be discovered. Filipino culture and arts must indeed be both preserved and advanced because it forms a big part of our national identity.

Congratulations to all the awardees and it is a sincere hope that you do not tire from letting the rest of the world know what makes our country not only special, but also a significant player in the global arena.