February is officially the Philippines Arts Month by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 683 signed by President Corazon Aquino in 1991. It coincided with the "1988-1998 International Decade of Culture". At home, this is our "Decade of Filipino Culture and Nationalism".
According to our Constitution (Article XIV, Section 15), “Arts and letters shall enjoy the patronage of the State. The State shall conserve, promote, and popularize that nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic creations”. Artistic media include theater, dance, music, visual arts, architecture, literature, media arts, and film.
This year 2013 is the 22rd annual celebration. The Civil Service Commission came out with Announcement Number 63 last year specifying the theme from the NCCA as "Ani ng Sining; Celebrating Icons" and suggesting appropriate activities such as music, dance and theater performances, film and visual arts exhibits and visits to museums and cultural sites.
For list of national activities spearheaded by NCCA, please click here ...
Interestingly, this year's architectural celebration will highlight Islamic mosques and non-Catholic Christian churches, particularly of the Iglesia ni Cristo. For full story, please click here...
ARMM RG Mujiv Hataman calls on the division, district and school heads to organize appropriate activities around "Moro icons". For Meranaws, this maybe a stroll along Lake Lanao - one of the largest body of fresh water in the Philippines, telling stories about mythical Sarimanok" or listening to a lecture on the artistic expression in traditional okkir. For Maguindanao, this maybe a stroll along Liguasan Marsh, Science teacher explaining to school children it unique flora and fauna. For island provinces, explaining the importance of "Langgal" or "Masjid" (mosque) in the lives of the Moros, such as the historic Sheikh Makhdum Mosque in Simunul - the oldest mosque in the country.
Source:
Presidential Proclamation No. 683 - http://www.gov.ph/1991/01/28/proclamation-no-683/
CSC Announcement Number 63, s. 2012 - http://excell.csc.gov.ph/ANNOUNCE2012/ann63s2012.pdf
(PIA) NCCA lists down activities for National Arts Month 2013 - http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=281357205562
(PDI) Philippine Arts Festival highlights Islamic mosques and Pinoy landscapes; Visayan literary arts - http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/87165/philippine-arts-festival-highlights-islamic-mosques-and-pinoy-landscapes-visayan-literary-arts
NCCA gets ready for Philippine Arts Festival 2013 - http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca/press-releases/press-release.php?i=143
NCCA gets ready for Philippine Arts Festival 2013 - http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca/press-releases/press-release.php?i=143
