Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray is once again the face of National Arts Month (NAM) in 2026. She marks her seventh year as the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Ambassador for the Arts. Her continued role highlights her deep commitment to promoting Filipino culture and the arts.

This year’s NAM celebration runs throughout February under the theme “Ani ng Sining, Katotohanan at Giting”. This theme celebrates the arts as a harvest of creativity, truth, and courage. It reflects the resilience and spirit of the Filipino people.

The NCCA leads the nationwide celebration. It is joined by the Intramuros Administration (IA). The two agencies recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen their partnership. They will hold cultural events in Intramuros, the historic walled city in Manila.

Atty. Joan Padilla, Officer-in-Charge of the IA, welcomed the collaboration. She said Intramuros is the perfect home for cultural renewal. The area will host activities at the Centro de Turismo. This space will serve as a hub for art exhibits, performances, and workshops.

Dr. Eric Zerrudo, NCCA Deputy Executive Director, emphasized the role of art in social change. He said the arts speak truth and inspire courage. They also support peace and sustainable development.

The month-long celebration begins on February 1. The Grand Launch takes place at Luneta Park in Manila. A key moment is the ceremonial passing of the lampara. This lantern symbolizes light, truth, and courage. It represents the journey of art from the past to future generations.

The event features a Parada ng mga Sining. Artists from the seven art forms take part. These include Architecture, Cinema, Dance, Dramatic Arts, Literary Arts, Music, and Visual Arts. Performances come from UST Salinggawi, UST Singers, Guiguiteno Dance Troupe, and the Philippine Ballet Theater. Tribal performers from Echague and artist Monica Amanda Gana of the LGBT community also join.

Regional celebrations follow across the country. In Los Baños, Laguna, NAM 2026 highlights Dramatic Arts and Architecture. Events include workshops, theater performances, and a weaving showcase. These take place from February 18 to 20.

In Palo, Leyte, the Visayas leg focuses on climate justice. A symposium was held in January. It brought together 150 participants. They discussed how art supports environmental sustainability.

Mindanao’s celebration takes place in Butuan City and Davao City. In Butuan, events run from February 12 to 26. Themes center on peace and access. Highlights include Bagani Hong Lawod, a theater piece by Balangay Repertory Theater. There is also POSITIVITY 6, an art exhibit on identity and equality.

In Davao City, SPA teachers and students perform. A multimedia showcase tells Mindanao’s stories of community and hope. The event runs on February 20 and 21.

The NCCA also launches “ART FriDates.” Every Friday in February, artists gather at the Blackbox Theater in Pasay. They perform and lead workshops. Local government units from Angono, Bulacan, Biñan, Quezon, and Muntinlupa take turns showcasing their talents.

Phi Palmos, a cultural advocate, praised the initiative. He said ART FriDates keeps the arts alive beyond February.

Catriona Gray remains a powerful advocate. “My love for our culture was not born,” she said in 2020. “It was grown, learned, and lived.” Her journey continues to inspire Filipinos to value their heritage.

The NCCA invites all to join National Arts Month 2026. Events are free and open to the public. Details on the closing rites and Ani ng Dangal will be announced soon.