NMP-Cebu marks National Arts Month

CEBU, Philippines — With its vision of bridging generations and preserving traditions, the National Museum of the Philippines - Cebu (NMP) is launching culturally enriching celebrations for the National Arts Month 2025, showcasing a local weaving industry and a celebrated local artist.

With this year's theme, "Ani ng Sining, Diwa at Damdamin," a series of activities have been lined up by the NMP Cebu for the celebrations, such as workshops, talks, forums, and product demonstrations.

Ma. Cecilia Cabañes, NMP-Cebu information officer, highlighted the significance of museums in preserving and promoting history, as well as natural and cultural heritage.

While some traditional and cultural practices are fading away in modern times, the NMP-Cebu has focused its objective on reviving and celebrating these traditions.

"Sa generation karon nga nawala na ang uban tradition, with this celebration mas gi-focus sa namo ang pagpa-hinumdom ani sa mga tao," said Cabañes.

One of NMP-Cebu's flagship programs is the "Lala Series," derived from the local term for weaving.

This initiative was created in 2023, with the aim to introduce and educate students and others about the weaving practices in Cebu.

"We want to introduce that term labi na sa younger generation kay kasagaran nakahibaw ani nga termino kay mga tiguwang na," she said.

This series, Cabañes said, highlighted various weaving techniques across Cebu, through product demonstrations.

In 2023, Badian's traditional "banig" weaving was placed in a spotlight where they invited vulnerable sectors.

Meanwhile, in 2024, the program featured the famous Sarok of Consolacion, which further expanded the awareness of Cebu's weaving heritage.

Other than the Lala Series, the NMP Cebu is set to host a print-making workshop on Feb. 24, in relation to the National Arts Month.

This workshop aims honor the life and contributions of Manuel Rodriguez Sr., known as the Father of Philippine Printmaking and a celebrated local artist in Cebu.

Rodriguez was also one of the featured artists in the prestigious Philippine Center New York Collection of 1974.

Cabañes shared that through the workshop, students and other participants will gain deeper appreciation and knowledge of his legacy in the country's art history.

In commencing the National Arts Month, NMP Cebu will present musical performance on Feb. 28, which will feature renditions of local songs.

With an average of 1,000 visitors per day, NMP-Cebu has observed a growing appreciation and awareness of arts among the younger generation.

Cabañes said she is glad with this development, saying it's a good indication to see youth engaging in cultural institutions like the NMP.

"We would like to invite everyone to visit our museum. We are open every day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.," she said. (CEBU NEWS)