The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in partnership with The Filipino Heritage Festival Inc. (FHFI) and the provincial government of Isabela spearheaded the kick-off ceremony of the National Heritage Month 2019 in Tumauini, Isabela on May 2.
The NCCA, led by its chairman National Artist Virgilio Almario and its executive director Rico Pableo, Jr., through the Subcommission on Cultural Heritage (SCH) led by its commissioner Fr. Harold Rentoria, OSA convened the month-long celebration of national heritage at the St. Matthias Parish Church facade, carrying the theme “Mga Pinuno para sa Pamana” (Leaders for Heritage), which aims to send a message to Filipinos to be the frontrunners in preserving and promoting culture and heritage.
During the ceremony, the Municipal Mayor of Tumauini, Arnold Bautista opened the ceremony with an inspirational message, the provincial governor Faustino Dy also extended his support on the celebration. Cultural performance from local performers were also showcased during the ceremony.
The Philippine Postal Corporation, led by Postmaster General Joel Otarra also launched this year’s commemorative stamp featuring Women as Keepers of Heritage. Awarding of certificate of recognition to the 15th anniversary of the FHFI also transpired. The audio-visual presentation of winning National Heritage Month 2019 video during the social media contest was also viewed. Jeremy Barns, Director of National Museum of the Philippines (NM) and Rene Escalante of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) were present to support the celebration of National Heritage Month.
The St. Matthias Parish Church is declared by the NHCP as a National Historical Landmark and by NM as National Cultural Property, it is also one of the four Baroque Churches in the Philippines included in the tentative list of the Unesco World Heritage Sites.
The National Heritage Month celebration takes a prime among Filipinos the consciousness, respect, and love for the cultural heritage is pursuant to the Presidential Proclamation no. 439 signed in 2013.
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