Philippines prepares for collaborative national arts month in 2026

In February 2026, the Philippines will celebrate National Arts Month under the theme “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Giting (Product of Art: Truth and Courage),” promoting collaboration among seven art forms to inspire truth and courage. The event opens on February 1 at Luneta Park in Manila and will be observed across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The 2026 National Arts Month emphasizes collaboration among various art forms to foster peace and development. It stems from Presidential Proclamation No. 683 under the Corazon Aquino administration and has been observed since 1991, led by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray has been the arts ambassador since 2020.

The seven disciplines—architecture and allied arts, cinema, dance, dramatic arts, literary arts, music, and visual arts—will integrate throughout the month. In Luzon, workshops and theater performances in Los Baños, Laguna, from February 18 to 20, will focus on dramatic arts and architecture. Visayas adopts the sub-theme “Pag-uswag han Tawo ngan Kalibungan (Climate Justice),” which began on January 12 and concludes with a workshop on February 18 in Palo, Leyte, exploring art and environmental sustainability. In Mindanao, Butuan's events under “Lawig Mindanaw: Kalinaw ug Kahigayunan (Peace and Access)” from February 12-14, 21-22, and 24-26 will use dance, music, and film to promote inclusion and peace, featuring theater and exhibits on Butuanon history, stories, culture, and people. Davao's celebration from February 20-21 will highlight works by choreographers, visual artists, and filmmakers to amplify diverse Mindanao narratives.

A highlight is the “Art FriDates” initiative every Friday in February at the Blackbox Theater, Likhang Pilipino Complex in Pasay City, with free admission for workshops and performances. Local governments including Angono, Rizal (February 6), Bulacan (13), Biñan, Laguna (20), Quezon Province (27), and Muntinlupa City (March 6) will host their versions, starting open houses at 2 pm and performances at 4 pm.

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Thousands join anti-corruption protests at Rizal Park in Manila, with religious leaders and police presence.
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Anti-corruption protests rally in Manila on November 30

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Thousands joined anti-corruption protests across the Philippines on November 30, 2025, marking the second wave of demonstrations against anomalies in flood control projects. Key events included the Trillion Peso March at the People Power Monument in Quezon City and the Baha sa Luneta 2.0 at Rizal Park in Manila. Religious leaders and activists called for transparency and accountability amid heavy police presence.

Art Fair Philippines returns to Manila's Circuit Makati from February 6 to 8, featuring 50 exhibitors and a diverse array of contemporary artists. The event spotlights emerging and established figures rethinking traditional forms through innovative materials and themes. International participation underscores Manila's growing role in global art dialogues.

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For the first time, gender-nonconforming dancers are allowed to wear women's costumes in the Sinulog Grand Parade, following a call from Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival for a more inclusive celebration. This marks a step toward embracing queer expression in the Philippines' largest Catholic festival. Drag artists like Maria Lava and Piayuuuh showcased their talents at the 'Dragdagulan Na Sa Sinulog' event on January 10, 2026.

Despite being dismissed as too young and idealistic, youth in the Philippines continue leading through volunteerism. They spearhead aid in disaster zones, education, and environmental protection. During National Volunteers Month, the 2030 Youth Force in the Philippines honors their unwavering dedication.

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In 2025, the Philippines hosted three major world sports events following the successful 2023 FIBA World Cup. While successes included strong performances by Alas Pilipinas and Eldrew Yulo, challenges arose in ticket pricing, venue sanitation, and traffic. Officials see these as investments in sports growth.

In his Rappler column, Joselito D. De Los Reyes shares a personal narrative on 2025 events, from elections to corruption, while warning against forgetting lessons from 2016 to 2022.

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The Philippines is urging Southeast Asian nations to collaborate on tourism rather than compete. At a meeting in Cebu, officials emphasized unity for sustainable growth. This initiative aligns with the country's hosting of key regional events this year.

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