The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), through its Program Management Division and Philippine Cultural Education Program (PCEP), convened local executives for a Capacity-Building on Culture-Based Governance on August 28, 2026, at the Ballroom of the Metropolitan Theater in the City of Manila.
The working conference gathered local government leaders and stakeholders to explore the role of culture and heritage in sustainable development, governance, planning, and community development.
National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario delivered a lecture on “Decolonization for Sustainable Development: Reklamasyon, Rekuperasyon, at Rekonstruksiyon ng Pambansang Gunita,” highlighting the importance of reclaiming and strengthening the nation’s collective memory as part of the broader process of national development.
The program also featured discussions on current cultural and governance concerns. Rear Admiral Jay Tristan Tarriela, Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea of the Philippine Coast Guard, discussed the West Philippine Sea, while Ar. Michael F. Manalo, Heritage Conservation Consultant, presented the Heritage Development and Planning System.
The afternoon sessions focused on the integration of heritage and culture into local development initiatives. Eva Marie Singson-Medina, former Mayor of Vigan City, shared the experience of Vigan as a UNESCO World Heritage model through her presentation on the Heritage Conservation Program: Vigan City as UNESCO World Heritage Model.
Meanwhile, Ar. Jesuben Angel S. Bongolan, Head of the NCCA Regional Exchange Unit, discussed opportunities for NCCA programs, partnerships, and collaboration with local government units.
The working conference concluded with a session on Localized Planning and Cultural Sensitivity, led by Atty. Noel R. Del Prado, City Government Department Head III of the Quezon City government. The discussion addressed concerns surrounding heritage preservation, the commercialization and distortion of indigenous traditions, and the integration of creative industries into economic development.
Through the Capacity Building on Culture-Based Governance, the NCCA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the capacity of local leaders to recognize culture as a vital resource for governance and sustainable development. The conference highlighted the need to embed cultural awareness and heritage sensitivity in local planning, policy development, and public programs—ensuring that communities can pursue progress while safeguarding the identities, histories, and traditions that define them.
The activity formed part of the NCCA’s continuing efforts under the Philippine Cultural Education Program to promote culture-responsive governance and deepen partnerships with local government units across the country.
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For details on this press release, contact Mr. Rene S. Napeñas, Chief Administrative Officer 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.
More photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/100C71Zuf6PBkWYuFidYo007gkqsoHmeJ?usp=sharing
