The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) announces the opening of its Call for Research Awards and Grants 2027, inviting researchers, scholars, cultural workers, artists, institutions, and other qualified proponents to submit research proposals that contribute to a deeper understanding, documentation, preservation, and development of Philippine culture and the arts.
Through the Research Awards and Grants program, the NCCA continues its commitment to supporting research as a vital foundation for cultural policy, heritage conservation, artistic practice, education, and the development of knowledge about the diverse cultural expressions of the Filipino people.
For 2027, the NCCA seeks research initiatives that are relevant, rigorous, inclusive, and responsive to contemporary cultural realities, particularly studies that contribute new knowledge, strengthen existing cultural narratives, document communities and practices, and generate insights that can inform programs, policies, and future cultural interventions.
The call welcomes proposals covering the broad fields of Philippine arts, culture, heritage, cultural communities, creative practices, cultural policy, and other areas aligned with the NCCA’s mandate. Research may explore historical and contemporary issues, emerging cultural trends, local and community-based knowledge systems, traditional practices, artistic processes, and other significant dimensions of Philippine cultural life.
The program also recognizes the importance of research in ensuring that Filipino cultural knowledge is not only preserved but also made accessible and meaningful to present and future generations. By supporting researchers and knowledge producers across the country, the NCCA aims to encourage work that brings forward perspectives and narratives that have often remained underdocumented or underrepresented.
The Research Awards component supports distinguished research initiatives that demonstrate strong scholarly merit, originality, and potential contribution to Philippine cultural and artistic knowledge. Meanwhile, the Research Grants component provides support for qualified research projects that respond to identified needs and priorities in culture and the arts.
The NCCA encourages proponents from different disciplines, regions, and sectors to participate in the call. Particular value is placed on research that recognizes the richness of the country’s cultural diversity and engages communities as partners and holders of knowledge.
More than an academic exercise, the NCCA considers cultural research an investment in the country’s collective memory and cultural future. Every well-documented tradition, carefully examined cultural practice, and newly surfaced historical narrative adds to the broader understanding of what it means to be Filipino.
Through the Research Awards and Grants 2027, the NCCA reaffirms its commitment to building a stronger culture of research—one that does not merely look into the past, but also helps communities and institutions understand the present and imagine the cultural possibilities of the future.
Certain budget allocations are allotted for the categories of individuals and organizations. For the Individual category, Research Awards have an allocated budget of up to ₱ 500,000, Master’s Thesis Project have up to ₱ 150,000, Doctoral Dissertation Project have up to ₱ 300,000, Advanced Dissertation Track have up to ₱ 500,000, Non-Thesis/Non-Dissertation Research Project have up to ₱ 300,000, and Community Research have up to ₱ 500,000.
For the Organization category, Research Grants have an allocated budget of up to ₱ 1,000,000 and Community Research have up to ₱ 1,000,000.
Qualified proponents are encouraged to review the complete 2027 Call for Research Awards and Grants, including the eligibility requirements, research priorities, application procedures, documentary requirements, and submission deadlines, through the official NCCA channels.
The deadline of submission for the 2027 Call for Research Awards and Grants is on September 30, 2026 (Wednesday) at 11:59 PM PST (Philippine Standard Time).
All eligible proposals will undergo the prescribed three-level evaluation process, including blind vetting, followed by final approval by the NCCA Board of Commissioners.
The release of the final results is to be determined. Applicants will be notified by the Secretariat regarding the status of their proposals as they progress through the evaluation process.
For announcements and further information, follow the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) through its official communication platforms. The official email address for any questions and clarifications is also available for potential grantees through dissemination@ncca.gov.ph.
The NCCA invites the country’s researchers and cultural knowledge producers to help expand the body of knowledge that tells the Filipino story.
Research our culture. Document our stories. Build our future.
##########
For details on this press release, contact Mr. Rene S. Napeñas, Chief Administrative Officer, Administrative and Finance Division and Head, Public Affairs and Information Office, through paio@ncca.gov.ph or 0945 788 5698. Visit www.ncca.gov.ph and the Facebook page @NCCAOfficial.
