By Argyll Geducos President Duterte reminded Filipino artists to continue upholding Filipino values and culture in the country and abroad, saying their craft is vital to the creation of an enlightened nation. Alden Richards (Photo by Genalyn Kabiling) In a speech in Malacañang, the President lauded the 53 awardees of the 12th Ani ng Dangal, including actors Alden Richards, Ai-Ai Delas Alas, and Ina Raymundo for putting the Philippines on the world map. "Our awardees today represent the best of what the Filipino can be, and what the arts can do to uplift the whole nation through talent, vision, and excellence," he said. "Our rich culture and arts reflect and define the Filipino people’s national identity and values, which are vital to nation-building." The 12th Ani ng Dangal honored 53 awardees including dancers, singers, musicians, literary writers, film directors, performers, architects, visual artists, designers, and multidisciplinary artists. The President lauded the awardees for their contribution to greater understanding, respect, and appreciation of cultural diversity. "The Filipino narrative that you creatively portray in your artistic expressions reflects the indomitable spirit of our people and the glorious history of our nation. I thus enjoin each one of you to continuously promote Filipino cultural heritage here and abroad," he said. Meanwhile, Duterte also congratulated the new Board of Commissioners of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts NCCA and its executive council members. "I am confident that you will continuously demonstrate your voluntary support for the further development of Philippine culture and arts and the preservation of the Filipino heritage," he said. "May you continue to uphold Filipino values and continuously work towards the development of Filipino culture and the arts, which is vital to the creation of an enlightened nation," he added. ;