The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has prepared various activities across regions in line with the observance of National Arts Month (NAM) in February.

This year’s NAM’s theme, “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Giting” (Fruits of the Arts: Truth and Bravery), underscores the ability of arts to speak truth, inspire courage, and contribute to peace and development.

Celebrating the NAM across the regions ensures inclusive participation, according to the NCCA.

Seven art forms — Architecture and Allied Arts, Cinema, Dance, Dramatic Arts, Literary Arts, Music, and Visual Arts — will be highlighted in the following activities:

The launch, to be held at Rizal Park on Feb. 1, will feature a dynamic mix of rituals, regional traditions, music, dance, contemporary performance, fashion and spoken word reflecting indigenous roots, national identity, and modern creative expression.

The launch will feature performances by the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Salinggawi Dance Troupe, UST Singers, Guiguiteno Dance Troupe, Echague Tribal performers and Philippine Ballet Theater; as well as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, community artists.

The performances aim to highlight the richness and diversity of Philippine arts.

Luzon, Visayas legs

To be held in Los Baños, Laguna on Feb. 18 to 20 are art workshops and discussions at the ART Center, Los Baños; and a theater performance at D.L. Umali Hall of University of the Philippines Los Baños.

The NAM Visayas will be celebrated in Palo, Leyte, under the sub-theme “Pag-uswag han Tawo ngan Kalibungan” or climate justice to emphasize the link between human development and environmental sustainability.

Mindanao leg

The role of dance, music and film in promoting inclusion, dialogue and lasting peace is scheduled in Butuan City and Davao City.

A two-day program will highlight the region’s choreographers, visual artists, filmmakers while a Special Program for the Arts teachers and students is also scheduled.

The final dates will be determined later.

At a press conference at Centro de Turismo Intramuros in Manila on Tuesday, NCCA executive director Eric Zerrudo announced that Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray will continue to serve as NCCA Arts ambassador.

He acknowledged Gray’s presence and contributions in promoting arts and culture.

Aside from advocating arts, Gray also appeared in several NCCA promotional materials and programs such as Kultura 101 and Padayon: The NCCA Hour, where she became one of the most viewed guests. (PNA)