by: Gelaine Gutierrez
The month of May is National Heritage Month (NHM).
It’s a vibrant celebration that transcends museums and history books. It's a time for Filipinos, both young and old, scattered across the archipelago and the globe, to reconnect with their roots, celebrate their shared identity, and collectively build a stronger nation.
With the theme “Championing Heritage: Capacity Building to Transform Communities,” the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) intends to make capacity-building programs and tools such as cultural mapping available to all Filipinos. The activity strives to recognize, conserve, and preserve our ancestors' historical heritage and identity for future generations.
Cultural mapping often involves identifying and documenting tangible and intangible cultural assets, such as historical sites, traditional practices, art forms, languages, and stories. This information can be used to understand the cultural heritage of a place and inform decision-making about its preservation and development.
Cultural mapping can also be a powerful tool for community engagement, as it allows residents to share their perspectives and priorities regarding their cultural heritage. This participatory approach can help ensure that cultural initiatives are inclusive and responsive to the needs of the community.
NCCA Chairperson Victorino Mapa Manalo emphasized this, also highlighting the crucial role of communities and stakeholders in protecting and conserving the nation’s cultural heritage during a recent NHM press conference.
“It is within these communities that traditions are passed down from generation to generation ensuring that our rich cultural heritage continues to thrive,” he said.
He commended this year's theme as unique, drawing a contrast with past years' themes. “The idea that we need to promote [is] the enhancement of the skills and capacities of heritage workers and heritage communities to take care of themselves,” he added.
Moreover, NHM is a powerful learning experience. Through lectures, exhibits, and cultural performances, Filipinos of all ages have the opportunity to delve deeper into their history. We learn about the ingenuity of our ancestors, the struggles they endured, and the triumphs they achieved. This knowledge becomes a foundation, a wellspring of inspiration for shaping a brighter future for the nation.
Read:
https://pia.gov.ph/features/2024/04/23/marikina-celebrates-feast-of-clans-angkan-ng-bakaw
https://pia.gov.ph/features/2024/04/22/kari-kari-takes-over-filipino-cuisine
A celebration of diversity, a unifying force
The Philippines is a beautiful mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions. The NHM also celebrates this very diversity. From the vibrant festivals of Luzon and the Visayas, to the captivating dances of Mindanao, every region gets its moment to shine. This celebration of differences fosters a sense of respect and understanding, bridging cultural divides and reminding everyone that unity doesn't require uniformity. It's in this spirit of inclusivity that Filipinos find true strength.
Preserving traditions, building bridges
National Heritage Month is a time for communities to come alive. Traditional dances are performed, age-old crafts like traditional tattooing are demonstrated, and stories are passed down from generation to generation. These events not only preserve cultural traditions but also create a bridge between the past and present. Elders share their wisdom with younger generations, ensuring that these irreplaceable traditions continue to flourish.
Believe it or not, you too can help preserve our heritage by doing these activities:
Explore museums and libraries
Photo courtesy of the National Museum of the Philippines 
Photo courtesy of the National Library of the Philippines
Explore the unique collections of artefacts, artworks, and historical treasures at national museums. Similarly, learn the extensive collections of books, manuscripts, and documents at national libraries, which provide insights into Filipino history, literature, and ideas. By visiting these institutions, you gain a better knowledge of Filipino heritage and help preserve these invaluable cultural assets.
The NMH 2024 coincides with the International Museums Day on May 18. Take the time to enjoy the stories behind each exhibit, and you'll have a better understanding of the Philippines' unique culture.
Support local artists
They play an important role in conserving and passing down legacy crafts and skills from generation to generation. Whether you buy handmade crafts, textiles, ceramics, or traditional instruments, you're not only helping preserve these age-old traditions but also provides artists with a source of income, ensuring the craft's continuation.
Pass down traditions and stories
Spend time telling stories, traditions, and cultural practices with family, friends, and future generations. Passing down these memories, whether through oral storytelling, family reunions, or community activities, helps to preserve our past while also creating a feeling of pride and belonging in our cultural identities.
Our love for our heritage goes far beyond May. Embracing our history is more than just a responsibility; it's an encouraging declaration of our shared identity and a salute to our culture's timeless ability to connect, enlighten, and enrich us. Truly, National Heritage Month is more than just a month-long celebration. It's a continuous journey of rediscovering, appreciating, and safeguarding the Filipino identity. By cherishing our heritage, Filipinos build a strong foundation for the future. This shared sense of history and cultural pride fosters unity, inspires innovation, and lays the groundwork for a stronger, more vibrant nation.
As the month of May draws near, the spirit of National Heritage Month will be put on a spotlight, a reminder that Filipinos, wherever they may be, are part of a remarkable story, and together, they have the power to write an even brighter future. (GLDG/PIA-NCR)
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