In the Philippines, February's National Arts Month highlights arts and culture, but appreciation often feels temporary. After the celebrations, enthusiasm fades, as focus remains on big festivals rather than daily creation. This prompts calls to integrate arts as an essential part of society year-round.
An article from 2030 Youth Force in the Philippines Inc. (YFPH) discusses the limited appreciation for arts and culture, typically confined to February. The contributor notes that after National Arts Month, interest wanes because arts are viewed merely as decorations, not vital to societal development. For instance, there is no ongoing encouragement for the public to engage with arts on ordinary days, and it is easily sidelined in budgets since it is not seen as an essential service like the economy or health.
Another issue is the shortage of year-round active art centers outside Metro Manila. The call is to not limit arts to aesthetic value; instead, use them in teaching science, climate issues, and building youth actions. The guidance of the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) is crucial to make arts integral to policies on education, environment, and local governance. Under NCCA's lead, regular artist communities that dialogue and showcase should be promoted over one-time celebrations.
Ultimately, arts should not be treated as a seasonal event, like Christmas decorations. They form the foundation of collective consciousness that must be upheld daily. The challenge is to integrate arts appreciation into the everyday system, in every advocacy, classroom, and street, to continually transform lives and strengthen Filipino identity.