The National Commission for Culture and the Arts leads two major national celebrations this October. The agency honors Indigenous Peoples Month and Museums and Galleries Month across the country.
DAYAW 2026 Returns to Intramuros
Indigenous cultural communities from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao gather in Metro Manila for DAYAW 2026. The event takes place from Oct. 13 to Oct. 15 at FORO de Intramuros.
This year carries a central theme. The theme is “Pagkamalikhain ng Katutubong Filipino: Pinagtibay ng mga Pagsubok, Umaalab ang Bagong Pag-Asa” (Creativity of Indigenous Filipinos: Strengthened by Challenges, Igniting New Hope). The theme highlights resilience in facing cultural loss, social inequality, environmental concerns, and displacement.
Presidential Proclamation No. 1906 declares October as National Indigenous Peoples Month. NCCA has held DAYAW annually since 2010.
More than 200 Indigenous cultural bearers, artists, educators, youth, and representatives participate. They represent 41 clusters of Indigenous communities. Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees and cultural practitioners also join.
The NCCA Subcommission on Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts presents DAYAW 2026. The Foundation for Lingap Kapampangan, Inc. serves as the implementing partner.
The festival moves beyond conventional stage performances. Communities occupy cultural pavilions inside FORO de Intramuros. Cultural bearers perform, demonstrate traditional arts, share foodways, and engage with visitors directly.
Program Director Sonia P. Soto emphasized the interactive nature of the event. Soto also serves as Vice President for Programs and Cultural Development at the Foundation for Lingap Kapampangan, Inc.
“We want people to come close enough to ask questions, listen to stories and understand the people behind the performances,” Soto said.
“DAYAW should not reduce Indigenous culture to costumes, dances or objects on display. These are living communities with knowledge, creativity and traditions that continue to change, respond and endure,” Soto said.
Engaging Youth and Fostering Dialogue
On Oct. 14, DAYAW holds a Cultural Exchange with Schools and Universities. Students travel to FORO de Intramuros to meet various cultural communities.
“A young person can search for a traditional dance or craft online in seconds. But meeting the person who learned it from an elder, understanding why it is practiced and hearing what it means to the community is an entirely different experience,” Soto said.
Organizers ensure Indigenous Peoples remain the principal voices of the celebration.
“Our responsibility is not to speak for the communities,” Soto said. “It is to create the space where they can speak, perform, demonstrate, teach and tell their own stories.”
DAYAW 2026 features forum sessions on youth, health education, and disaster preparedness. It includes the Gawad sa Gabay ng Katutubo. Demonstrations include weaving, dance, ethnic cuisine, oral traditions, and ethnomedicine.
Museums and Galleries Month 2026
The Philippines celebrates Museums and Galleries Month every October under Presidential Proclamation No. 798, series of 1991.
This year’s theme is “Bridging Divides: Preserving the Present for Tomorrow”. The observance highlights cultural spaces as hubs for shared history and creative expression.
The kick-off ceremony takes place at the House of Representatives on Oct. 6. The event features the “Unified Spectrums” exhibit in partnership with the House.
Regional art fairs funded by NCCA Competitive Grants support the nationwide celebration:
The San Pablo Art Circuit opens in Laguna on Oct. 3.
The NCCA Gallery hosts two exhibit openings on Oct. 8.
The Tam-awan International Arts Festival runs from Oct. 9 to Oct. 12 in Baguio City.
Alab ng Sining takes place at Angkla Gallery in Angono, Rizal, on Oct. 10.
ManilART 2026 runs from Oct. 14 to Oct. 18 at SMX Aura Convention Center.
Mindanao Art Fair, led by Lawig Diwa, Inc., takes place in Davao City.
The celebration ends on Oct. 22 at the Cavite Provincial Capitol during the Cavite Art Fair.
Digital and hybrid formats offer virtual exhibitions for remote audiences. These initiatives extend the reach of cultural heritage beyond physical spaces.
The public can contact Rene S. Napeñas, Head of Public Affairs and Information, at paio@ncca.gov.ph or 0945 788 5698 for details. More information is available on www.ncca.gov.ph.