Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
February 26, 2020

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte lauded the global honor and recognition brought by various Filipino artists in the fields of arts and culture after administering the oath of office to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) officials and witnessing the presentation of 53 awardees in the 12th Ani ng Dangal award this year.

“Our [awardees] today represent the best of what the Filipino can be, and what the arts can do to uplift the whole nation through talent, vision and excellence. Our rich culture and arts reflect and define the Filipino people’s national identity and the values, which are vital to nation building,” said President Duterte in his message.

The Chief Executive conveyed his appreciation to the artistic community for contributing to a greater understanding, respect and appreciation of the Philippines’ cultural diversity to nations around the world.

“The Filipino narrative that you creatively portray in your artistic expressions reflects the indomitable spirit of our people and the glorious history of our nation. I thus enjoin each one of you to continuously promote Filipino cultural heritage here and abroad,” the President added.

Likewise, he congratulated the NCCA’s new Board of Commissioners and Executive Council Members and called on them to continue upholding Filipino values and developing the country’s culture and the arts which are vital to the creation of an enlightened nation.

“I am confident that you will continuously demonstrate your voluntary support for the further development of Philippine culture and arts and the preservation of the Filipino heritage,” President Duterte stressed.

The Ani ng Dangal (Harvest of Honors) Awards “recognizes artists who have earned international awards and accolades during the past year”. It is an annual event that serves as the NCCA’s closing activity of the National Arts Month.

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