QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 360)
The main purpose of Proclamation No. 439, s. 2003 is to declare the month of May of every year as National Heritage Month in the Philippines to promote consciousness, respect, and love for Filipino cultural history and heritage.
Article XVI, Section 15 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution supports the declaration by mandating the State to conserve, promote, and popularize the nation's historical and cultural heritage and resources.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is tasked as the lead agency to carry out activities related to National Heritage Month.
Republic Act No. 7365, Section 12 mandates the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to conserve and promote the nation's cultural and historical heritage.
May was chosen because it is traditionally the month when most fiestas, festivals, and indigenous activities are celebrated throughout the Philippines, symbolizing traditional festivities and people's participation in preserving heritage.
Activities such as performing arts at cultural heritage sites, visual arts and fashion exhibits, thematic culinary events, folk food fairs, design retrospectives and competitions, media and literary events, and honoring living traditions and intangible heritage are encouraged.
The celebrations recognize the multicultural traditions of indigenous peoples, Muslims, and Filipino-Chinese communities as part of the nation's heritage.
All government agencies are enjoined to undertake activities in accordance with the spirit of the proclamation to promote and preserve cultural heritage during National Heritage Month.
It aims to create consciousness, respect, and love for Filipino cultural history, raise material support for heritage protection, and encourage people's participation through various cultural and artistic activities.