Truth, Valor, Art
In this year’s National Arts Month, NCCA celebrates art as a beacon of truth and courage
Words Marc Nathaniel Servo
Photo Courtesy of National Commission for Culture and the Arts
February 23, 2026
Can art change the world?
In a world burdened by societal issues, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) believes that art, more than a product of creativity, is a powerful weapon to reflect truth and valor.
For the entire month of February, the Philippines celebrates National Arts Month with the theme, “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Giting,” affirming art’s role in carrying the lived realities and collective vision of people moving for a just and progressive society.
Opening with a grand concert titled “Ani ng Sining: Konsiyerto ng Katotohanan at Giting,” NCCA, under the lead of Chairman and Executive Director Eric B. Zerrudo, brought the creative celebration at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium on February 1st, setting the tones they aim to foster through art: truth, courage, and collaboration.
The program started with a Grand Parade at 4:00 PM, before performances kicked off from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, featuring a curated sequence of artistic presentations, musical performances, and storytelling that traces the Filipino journey of creativity, identity, and social responsibility.
Symbolizing the inheritance of cultural heritage and artistic responsibility across generations, ceremonial segments “Pagdating ng Ilaw” and “Pagpasa ng Liwanag sa Kabataan” were performed.
Afterwards, a series of themed monologues titled, “Ang Binhi ng Sining,” “Sining Bilang Ugat at Alaala,” “Sining at Giting ng Bayan,” and “Ang Pananagutan ng Ilaw” reflected the role of arts in molding our national identity, memory, and civic responsibility.
Showcasing the range and vitality of Philippine performing arts, the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe performed “Pitong Alay ng Sining,” while UST Coro Tomasino and the Yodad Cultural Dance Group conducted choral and dance presentations.
Traditional and contemporary performances were then performed by the Indak Guiguintenyo Folkloric Group, the Philippine Ballet Theatre, and Anak Bale-Balayan.
Promoting Philippines’ creative textile industries, a special fashion show segment is held, followed by a modern and contemporary performance with “Katotohanan sa Makabagong Anyo,” featuring The Addlib and The O Divas.
Miss Grand International 2025 Emma Tiglao also graced the event with her presence, alongside performances by Monica Gana, Lucky G., and Elaiza Jem. In its grand finale, artists and performers collectively performed “Ani ng Sining,” celebrating united local creativity and artistic excellence for the year.
Following the successful opening concert, the NCCA invites the public to take part in the remaining National Arts Month activities and events being held nationwide throughout February.
