BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 439, s. 2003, the National Heritage Month (NHM) takes place annually during the Month of May. The celebration occurs simultaneously with the 125the anniversary of Philippine Independence.

This 2023, NHM’s theme centers on Heritage: Change and Continuity, which puts a spotlight on the ever-changing nature of heritage as a field that continues to evolve so that it can fulfill its mission of preserving products of human ingenuity.

There are 4 subtopics which will be highlighted, namely: Sustainable Heritage Management: The management of change and risk in heritage has the potential to bring great social, cultural, and economic rewards to both the present and future generations; Heritage Science: It is an interdisciplinary area of study that requires fresh, inspiring ideas for the appreciation, conservation, and utilization of heritage; Intangible Cultural Heritage: Intergenerational transmission of heritage is essential for a sense of  identity that remains relevant in the current context; and Urban Heritage: The conservation of urban heritage is a vital part of managing the growth and transformation of 21st century cities. 

Present during the kickoff were NCCA Chair Victorino Mapa Manalo, NCCA Executive Director Oscar Casaysay, National Committee on Monuments and Sites Vice Head Atty. Kathleen Felice Tantuico, and Filipino Heritage Festival Inc. President Armita Rufino. 

“Heritage is very important because without heritage, who are we,” emphasized Rufino. She also reminded those present that there are over 100 festivals happening in different parts of the country during May.

The Bayanihan Dancers and Esang de Torres enthralled the audience with their grace and stage presence during their respective intermission numbers. The launch was hosted by internet personality Jules Guiang and PTV 4 news anchor Dianne Medina.

The goals of the celebration are the following: Highlight the potential of cultural heritage and cultural properties in enhancing social capital, boosting economic growth, and securing environmental sustainability; Showcase the befits, impacts, and growth opportunities produced by heritage science research and innovation; And promote advocacies and encourage participation in programs that safeguard intangible cultural heritage and conserve urban heritage.

The NHM Kick-off Celebration will take place the Capiz Provincial Capitol, Roxas City, Capiz, on May 2, 2023. In the province resides two (2) Indigenous Cultural Communities: Panay-anon Bukidnon and Ati. The Western Visayas’ premiere tourist destination is also the pilot province which has successfully finished the training in the Cultural Mapping Program under the supervision of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Some of NHM 2023’s flagship activities include: Aklatan Series: Role of Librarians in Cultural Heritage Preservation; Tahanan ng Kasaysayan (Home of History): The Aguinaldo Shrine’s Legacy to Philippine Independence; Tourism and Heritage: Enemies or Partners in Progress;  Virtual 360° Heritage Site Tour: Museo de San Agustin; and many more.

The official hashtags are #NHM2023 and #NHMChangeandContinuity. Follow the NCCA official Facebook account (facebook.com/mationalheritagemonthph) as well as the NCCA Learning Hub (https://www.nccalearninghub.com) for more information.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Buzz Beat Media