In the Philippines, February is celebrated as National Arts Month, as promulgated under Presidential Proclamation No. 683 and signed by the late president Corazon C. Aquino in 1991. Its aim is “to celebrate the artistic excellence and pay tribute to the uniqueness and diversity of the Filipino heritage and culture.”
This celebration has significantly contributed to acknowledging our artists and appreciating their invaluable contributions to the past, present, and potentially the future of the arts in our country. Considerably, our artists serve as both inspiration and guardians of the Filipino identity, helping instill a sense of nationalism and patriotism, especially among the younger generation. Their profession is as noble as any other. Historically, they have enriched us with their creativity and imaginative works, shedding light on social issues, and fostering love for our identity. Thanks to our arts subjects in elementary, high school, and college, we can muster enough memories of prominent artists like Juan Luna and Fernando Amorsolo, to mention a few.
Through film, music, dance, literature, and more, our artists help make sense of the world, providing us with glimpses into our history and important events of the past that remain relevant to this very age. Likewise, their craftsmanship and cultural sensitivity transcend generations, and dedicating a month to them is a fitting recognition of their significant role in our country. Their creative minds raise awareness, challenge norms, provoke thoughts, and widen our horizons.
Let us continue to support them in any way possible.
Jhon Steven C. Espenido,
Surigao City