Government must lead in supporting Filipino artists, says Marcos
The government must take the lead in supporting Filipino artists as they are the "ambassadors of our culture," President Marcos said.

"[G]overnment must take the lead and the reason why I consider it very, very important and I’ve always done so, is because the culture of a country is the definition of its people," Marcos said after gracing the 16th Ani ng Dangal at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
"[A]rtist define our culture and the culture is the shared consciousness of the Filipino. And it is the answer to the question: what is it to be Filipino," he added.
He stressed that every Filipino artist's craft "serve as a unifying influence for our country," thus the government's role in supporting them in their endeavors is crucial to the preservation of the Philippine culture, arts and tradition.
In his speech during the event, the President told the Filipino artists that they are the "ambassadors of our culture" who "have won the hearts of audiences here and abroad."
He lauded them, saying they are sources of inspiration to fellow artists and to their fellowmen.
"Art builds a strong nation, and a compassionate society. Art does not only entertain. It enlightens, it educates, it elevates the quality of life," he stated.
Marcos also encouraged Filipino artists to continue to create and innovate.
"So, as we honor our awardees today, I extend a heartfelt invitation to every artist across our nation: Continue to create, to innovate, to excel. What you create are essential works that add to our Gross National Happiness," he said.
"So please act on your dreams, believe in your talent, dare to break ground, tear down the walls that cage your creativity, hone your craft," he added.
There are at least 26 awardees in this year’s “Ani ng Dangal,” an annual concluding rite of National Arts Month every February honoring natural-born Filipino artists or groups who have received international awards and accolades in the field of architecture, cinema, dance, dramatic arts, literary arts, music, visual arts, folk arts and broadcast arts over the past year.