The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has officially opened its call for proposals for the 2027 Competitive Grants Program. The commission invites artists, cultural workers, and various organizations to submit their projects.
Eligible applicants include local government units, educational institutions, and indigenous peoples’ organizations. Nongovernment organizations and other cultural stakeholders may also apply. The program seeks projects that contribute to the preservation, promotion, and development of Philippine arts and culture.
The Competitive Grants Program operates under Republic Act No. 7356. It remains a core mandate of the commission. Financial support comes from the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts. The grants aim to uphold Filipino creativity and safeguard cultural heritage. They also seek to strengthen cultural communities and expand access to the arts nationwide.
For the 2027 cycle, the NCCA encourages proposals that respond to the country’s evolving cultural landscape. Projects must align with the strategic priorities of the NCCA’s four subcommissions. These include Arts, Cultural Heritage, Cultural Dissemination, and Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts. Through this annual program, the commission continues to empower communities and institutions in creating meaningful cultural initiatives that enrich national identity and promote inclusive development.
Applicants must first secure official NCCA accreditation to be eligible for funding. Proponents must not have any unliquidated grants. They must also have no derogatory records with the NCCA or any other government agency.
Interested individuals can submit their proposals via email or courier. The deadline for all submissions is Aug. 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Philippine Standard Time.
To help prospective applicants, the NCCA is launching a series of nationwide roadshows. These sessions provide orientation and technical assistance. Topics include project proposal writing, eligibility requirements, and funding priorities. The roadshows aim to make the grants program more accessible to practitioners across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The scheduled roadshows are as follows:
Luzon: July 21, 2026, in Baguio City.
Visayas: July 27, 2026, in Bacolod City.
Mindanao: July 28, 2026, in Davao City.
National Capital Region: July 21, 2026, via an online session.
The NCCA will announce exact venues on its official Facebook page in the coming days. The commission has already posted QR codes for pre-registration on its social media platforms.
The NCCA advises all applicants to review the guidelines and documentary requirements carefully before submitting their projects. Detailed information on the 2027 Competitive Grants Program is available on the official NCCA website.
