Writers Prize 2013

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), through its Plans/Policy Formulation, and Program Division (P/PFPD) – Institutional Programs, announces its acceptance of entries to the 2013 NCCA Writers' Prize. Deadline for submission of entries is until July 31, 2013. Read.

Young Historian's Prize 2013

The NCCA-National Committee on Historical Research Executive Council is seeking nominations for the 2014 Young Historian’s Prize. Now on its third year, the award is in recognition of the potential of young scholars on the basis of a single work in the field of history. Winners will receive a certificate of recognition and a cash prize of Php 50,000.00. Deadline of submission is on August 30, 2013. Read.

NCCA Transparency Seal

In the National Budget Circular No. 542, issued on August 29, 2012, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reiterates compliance by all offices of the national government, including state universities and colleges, government-owned and controlled corporations, government financial institutions and local government units with Section 93, the Transparency Seal provision of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10155, also known as the General Appropriations Act of 2012. See NCCA compliance with Transparency Seal. Read.

Story of Juan

We are part of the NEW story! The National Commission for Culture and the Arts believes in the "Story of Juan," which promotes honest and effective governance, one that is truly transparent, disciplined and serving the interest of the country and its people. This is the very vision of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Reform Program, which aims to improve efficiency, accountability and transparency in public fund use in order to ensure the direct, immediate, substantial and economical delivery of public services especially to the poor. Read details of the PFM program here: http://pfm.gov.ph/ . Watch video

RP's Heritage Act of 2009

The National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, an act providing for the conservation of the country's national cultural heritage, to be implemented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and its affiliated cultural agencies, was signed into law on March 26, 2010. Read and download copy

Sagisag Kultura

Get to know the 800 cultural icons of the Philippines. Read from E-Book.

AGUNG: NCCA Newsletter

Check the latest issue of AGUNG. Learn about what NCCA has been doing and read about cultural and arts events in the country. Read.

NCCA- Sentro Rizal

Created and established under Section 42 of the Republic Act 10066 or Heritage Law, the first Sentro Rizal in the Philippines is located at the 6th floor of the NCCA Building. Its main purpose is the promotion of Philippine arts, culture, and language throughout the world. Read.

Philippine Fact Sheet

The present Philippine flag was designed by then General Emilio Aguinaldo, president of the revolutionary government, during his voluntary exile in Hong Kong in 1897. The Philippine Revolution was starting its second phase. Aguinaldo wanted to have our own national flag and national anthem, believing that these would inspire our men to fight against the colonizers and for the cause of freedom. Download copy here.

Teachers' Toolkit

A Teacher Toolkit Towards a Southeast Asian Community

This toolkit aims to promote the Southeast Asian community by providing information and classroom resources about our shared values, history, and heritage. This project is in support of the ASEAN Vision 2015. Learn more.

The NCCA Gallery

The creation of the NCCA Gallery dedicated to contemporary arts was a joint initiative by the Committees on Visual Arts (NCVA) and on Art Galleries (NCAG) in response to the current demands of a vastly burgeoning contemporary art scene in the Philippines. read full story...

Arkitekturang Filipino

Arkitekturang Filipino is a collaborative, web-based, free-content database and exhibition of notable Filipino architecture and architects. This is a joint project by the UAP, NCCA, and B(b)AGO. Go to site.

Philippine Literature Portal

Check this official resource on Philippine literature and current activities related to the written word in the country. Go to site .

NCCA Publications

See the list of NCCA publications.

Pambata Stories.

NCCA Events

Be in the loop! Check the schedule of cultural events happening this month!
NCCA-Funded Events
Festivals in the Philippines

arTalk on Net25

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts' (NCCA) funded talk show on the Philippine arts titled "ArTalk: Beyond Entertainment" premiered on March 29, 2012 at Net25. The show is hosted by Ms. Gema Cruz Araneta and is conceptualized and directed for TV by former NCCA Exec. Dir. and playwright Malou Jacob. The show airs every Thursdays 11:00 - 11:30 pm with replays on Sundays, 2:30 - 3:00 pm. For details, please contact Rene Napeñas, Head of the NCCA-Public Affairs and Information Office (PAIO) at cellphone number 0927-5582656 / 09285081057 or at tel. nos. 527-5529. You also call at 527-2192 (loc. 612-615) or email at ncca.paio@gmail.com.. Watch videos.

RP Has No Tribes

Originally, the term "tribe" refers to the third part of the Roman people. Generally, it is a collection of people descending from one ancestor (e.g. the 12 tribes of Israel were the 12 collections of families that descended from the sons of Jacob). Dr. Jesus Peralta explains why there are no tribes in the Philppines. Read

2012 GAMABA

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), led by its chairman Felipe M. De Leon Jr., recognized last Nov. 8 in Malacañan two new Gawad ng Manlilikha ng Bayan Awardees (GAMABA), namely, kattukong maker Teofilo Garcia from San Quintin, Abra, and inabel weaver Magdalena Gamayo from Pinili, Ilocos Norte. The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan or the National Living Treasures Award gives recognition to Filipino traditional craftsmen or artisans whose skills have reached a high level of technical and artistic excellence and who are tasked to pass on to the present generation knowledge threatened with extinction. Read.

RP's Colonial Churches

The Philippines is home to hundreds of centuries-old Spanish colonial churches. Built at the height of Spanish influence in the archipelago, these churches are a fusion of European and Asian architectural motifs. Read

What is Phil. Art?

What makes Philippine Art Filipino? To what extent is Philippine art derivative of Western art? Is there anything “Filipino” about, for example, the Manila Wyeth school, the so-called magic realists? How about the paintings of Fernando Amorsolo, Carlos Francisco and Hemando R. Ocampo, all of whom have been identified in a big way with the native sensibility? Read

Old Churches & Mosques?

Everywhere there are structures from the past that speak to us of our collective identity, which have so much to share about the lessons of history. What to do to save them? Regalado Trota Jose offers tips. Read