Where else is the best place to celebrate National Arts Month, than in the place that gave birth to not one, but two National Artists—Angono?

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) kicked off the annual National Arts Month celebration in the town which was declared as the Art Capital of the Philippines.

Themed, “Ani ng Sining, Bunga ng Galing”, the month-long festivity features art exhibits at the Nono Museum of Art History and the Blanco Art Gallery. Musicians were also front and center in a Valentine’s Day concert dedicated to Maestro Lucio San Pedro followed by the commemoration of the town’s 78th Liberation Day. This year’s celebration will culminate in a fireworks display and awarding ceremony at the Angono Art Center on February 28.

Angono Mayor Jeri Mae Calderon said Angono is proud to be an active partner of the NCCA.

“There has never been a program here in Angono where the NCCA has not been a partner. They have been our strong supporter, as you saw in the opening and closing ceremonies of the National Arts Month,” the mayor said.

Known as one of the centers of art in the Philippines, Angono also plays a vital role in pushing for benefits and recognition for artists in the country. 

Municipal Councilors have proposed an ordinance providing benefits for local artists as a fitting homage to their work and contributions, including the creation of Artist Lanes to provide exclusive lanes for local artists in malls and other commercial establishments.

“It is now with the committee in the Sangguniang Bayan who is coming up with the programs for the Artist Lane,” Calderon said, adding that the Sangguniang Bayan is also formulating its implementing rules and regulations.

While there is no denying the overflowing artistic talent in this more than 1,200-hectare land, Calderon said their town is not falling short of training a new generation of artists.

Through its Local School Board, the Department of Education (DepEd) has incorporated Angono’s local history in its lessons, and organized immersive trips to local art galleries and museums.

“Through the Local School Board, I have asked the principals to incorporate into their lessons an introduction of Angono to the children. This will encourage them to appreciate our culture.”

This partnership spawned the Araling Angono, a pamphlet on the town’s culture and history, which is being distributed among students.

The next generation of Angono artists will play be vital in the longevity of the town’s prestige as one of the country’s art capitals, and the legacy of the National Artists it gave birth to.

“It’s important to maintain it because it’s our identity as residents of Angono—people who cherish art, tradition, and our town.”

The local chief added: “A nation that knows its history is a nation aware of its destiny.”

Despite its size, Angono is a titan of Philippine Art that produced some of the National Artists who remain relevant even today. But it is not their accolades, prestige, and the museums and galleries lining its streets that made Angono the center of Philippine art. Rather it is the people, who are proud of their roots and continue to nurture generations of artists, in whom this legacy continues to live on. (PB/PIA 4A) 

Sulong Calabarzon is a weekly public affairs program hosted by the Philippine Information Agency Calabarzon, streaming live every Thursday, 2:00 PM via the Philippine Information Agency Calabarzon Facebook page.