On right track

‘In taking a whole of government approach, we are on the right track in attaining Philippine Development Goals’

"Culture and the arts reflect our identity as Filipinos, as people. We must have a strong patriotism to embrace our culture and identity fully."

It may be a long and arduous road toward a free and genuine Filipino culture, National Commission for Culture and the Arts Executive Director Oscar G. Casaysay says, "In taking a whole of government approach, we are on the right track in attaining Philippine Development Goals."

Casaysay, who managed the community relations and major festivals and celebrations of the country's largest city for nine years (from 2004 to 2013), now leads NCCA in preserving, developing, and promoting the Philippine arts and culture.

Founded in 1987, NCCA "promotes unity among individuals involved in the conservation of cultural properties, such as artworks, ethnographic collections, archaeological artifacts, and other materials of historical significance."

He admitted that before joining the agency, he only read the works of national artists like Bienvenido Lumbera, Nick Joaquin, and Ricky Lee. He watched the films of esteemed Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal and Marilou Abaya.

"I only heard and read about the productions of the Cultural Center of the Philippines featuring the Ballet Philippines and the Philippine Harmonic Orchestra," he said. "It was only when I became the executive director that I was able to watch those productions inside the CCP in the front row and even stand on stage giving out messages."

"I now meet our national artists up close and personal. I have the luxury of being introduced to many theater greats in the Philippine Education Theater Association and other theater productions," he added.

He went on to say that he also had the pleasure of meeting Alice Reyes (whom he described as "graceful and very down to earth"), Ryan Cayabyab ("cool and very accommodating"), Virgilio Almario ("so dignified"), Ramon Santos ("unassuming"), Ricky Lee ("down to earth and very accommodating"), Nora Aunor ("warm and humble") and Agnes Locsin ("friendly and very warm").

In the absence of regional offices to connect with local artists and cultural workers, he said NCCA works with sub-commissions whose members are elected from among the private sector members from different communities.

"Ours is a complex network that we have to deal with," Casaysay said. "A lot of challenges each day. The most difficult part is we don't have a huge budget, although the grants we give out come from the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts."

These grants, he said, are derived from the proposals coming from civil society organizations, individual artists and cultural workers, other national government agencies, schools, colleges, universities, and local government units for their culture and arts programs and projects. Through the Sentro Rizal Office, the NCCA also engages in international initiatives.

Every day has a lot of challenges and struggles to confront and hurdle, but still, with the most gracious style, he jested.

The NCCA oversees the entire recognition process, from the call for submissions and selection to the presentation of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, the Order of National Artists and the National Heritage Awards.

"Culture is the soul of the nation. Without culture, a nation doesn't have an identity. Culture refers to the way of life of a nation. Thus, everything that we do as a people becomes our culture," he said. "Culture is best manifested through the arts that are said to be the best expressions of culture."

"All seven types of arts contribute to the overall growth and advancement not just of a person but of the community and the nation as well," he said, referring to architecture and allied arts, cinema or film, dance, drama or theater, literary arts, music and visual arts.

Throughout the pandemic, he felt disheartened by the perception of the arts sector as being "non-essential."

"We cannot imagine the online platform without some of the best online programs communicated through the arts — films, dances, poetry, music, or even Netflix," he said.

Citing the NCCA's role in supporting and promoting the interests of indigenous people groups, Casaysay said valuing and preserving the cultural heritage of IPs contributes to the diversity and richness of Philippine culture.

Through its programs, projects, and collaborations, the NCCA empowers IPs to protect, revitalize, and celebrate their unique cultural traditions, languages, and arts, ensuring their continued existence and appreciation for future generations.

"Other aspects, such as indigenous cultures and cultural heritage, also contribute to a nation's progress and development," he said.

Indigenous cultures, he said, refer to the knowledge, skills, and practices of our culture bearers that are preserved and handed down from one generation to another.

"Cultural heritage may be tangible or intangible and is considered the wealth of a nation in terms of its glorious past. All these facets of culture are important in the life of a nation and are essential towards the holistic advancement of a country," he said.

The lack of widespread discussion and engagement among Filipinos regarding culture is a primary concern Casaysay and many others share.

"There are many challenges faced by the NCCA in this aspect. To enumerate a few — due to the lack of interest generally by Filipinos in arts and culture. For many, culture and the arts are seen as not essential; for many, it is only for the elite," he said.

He lamented the current trend wherein the younger generation shows greater appreciation for foreign cultures, such as those from Korea or the United States, rather than their own.

Instead of viewing these as obstacles, he said the NCCA sees them as opportunities for growth and enhancement.

Expressing confidence in the significant achievements of the NCCA in fostering greater appreciation, understanding, respect, and love for arts and culture among Filipinos, he said these encompass various aspects, including policy formulation, programming and promotions.

Several laws have been enacted to safeguard the country's cultural heritage, such as the Republic Act 10066 of 2009, commonly known as the National Heritage Law. Moreover, the NCCA organizes institutional programs throughout the year to celebrate and promote different facets of Filipino culture.

Notable examples include National Arts Month held every February, Food Month and Literature Month in April; Heritage Month in May, Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (OPM Week) in the last week of July, and IP Month in October, among others.

"The NCCA is also in charge of the cultural mapping and monitoring of the local culture and arts councils in the local government units," he said, adding that it needs to intensify its efforts to be able to reach the grassroots levels.

Since dreams don't become reality through magic but by sweat, determination, and hard work, Casaysay said the NCCA will harness and maximize more platforms to reach a larger market, especially the younger generation.