Metropolitan Theater, Manila
February 20, 2024

“I am therefore delighted to join the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in conferring the prestigious ‘Ani ng Dangal’ award to Filipino artists who have made the world their stage,” said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as he bestowed the 16th Ani ng Dangal Awards to 26 Filipino artists who have earned various international awards in the categories of Architecture and the Allied Arts, Cinema, Dance, Dramatic Arts, Literary Arts, Music and Visual Arts in a ceremony at the Metropolitan Theater, City of Manila.

In his message, the President expressed his profound gratitude to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for its hard work in putting together the honor roll for Ani ng Dangal 2024.

He commended the Filipino artists who brought pride to the country through their unique talents and skills in the different fields of arts.

“You represent the best of your craft, your luminous performances here and abroad showcasing the best that our country can offer,” he remarked.

The President conveyed that the Filipino artists also serve as ambassadors of the nation’s culture who have won the hearts of audiences abroad, noting that they do not only entertain but also enlighten, educate and elevate the quality of life.

“As we honor our awardees today, I extend a heartfelt invitation to every artist across our great nation: Continue to create, to innovate and to excel… So please act on your dreams, believe in your talent, dare to break ground, tear down the walls that cage your creativity, hone your craft,” he stated.

Furthermore, the Chief Executive reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nurturing the environment that supports the Filipino artists for them to continuously hone their talents and skills.

“We know that art can only flourish under an atmosphere of freedom, and under Bagong Pilipinas, this is something that we will guarantee,” President Marcos Jr. ended in his keynote message.

Carrying the theme, ‘Ani ng Sining, Malikhaing Bayan,’ the event formed part of the National Arts Month celebration in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 683, series of 1991 declaring the month of February every year as National Arts Month. The occasion celebrated artistic excellence and paid tribute to the uniqueness and diversity of the Filipino heritage and culture.

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