As it celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. launched the first ever national recognition program that will honor Philippine heritage institutions and its guardians.
Founded in 1986 by volunteers that include Purita Kalaw-Ledesma, Dr. Jaime Laya, Ramon Villegas, and Esperanza Gatbonton as “Friends of the National Museum” the MFPI is a non-stock, non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Philippine art and cultural heritage. From successfully advocating for the National Museum Act of 1998 to funding the restoration of works such as Juan Luna’s La Bulaqueña, the Foundation works to foster awareness of Filipino culture and history while supporting the sustainability of the National Museum community.
In recent years, the MFPI expanded its mission of education and advocacy through initiatives like Art in the Park and the MaArte Fair.
“The MFPI has always been proud to serve as stewards of connecting Filipinos with their cultural heritage," MFPI President Danny Jacinto said during the media presentation. "It is our hope that 'Ang MUSEO' will help reinforce and honor all those who work to protect national memory and foster appreciation for history and the arts. We want to look forward to our future... and this is a milestone, an initiative that shifts the spotlight from the artifacts to the people.”
MFPI Trustee Blen Fernando adds that while there are an increasing number of museums in the country, there has been no national recognition program dedicated for these institutions and those who work tirelessly to protect Philippine heritage. "Ang MUSEO" will finally fill that gap.
She likewise pointed out the renewed interest in Filipino culture among the younger generation across the country.
"They are very appreciative of the things they see in MaArte Fair, Art in the Park, and they are part of online communities who are advocates of culture, they simply want to get together, they go to historical places and join tours," Fernando said.
Awards and eligibility
There are ten (10) inaugural award categories. Institutional awards include: Gawad sa Pamanang Tanghal (Permanent Exhibition of the Year), Gawad sa Napapanahong Tanghal (Temporary Exhibition of the Year), Gawad para sa Institusyong Pang-Edukasyon (Educational Institute Museum of the Year), Gawad para sa Natatanging Pamana ng Bayan: Lungsod o Munisipalidad (Local Museum of the Year), Gawad sa Natatanging Programa ng Museo (Program of the Year), and Gawad sa Sangay ng Pambansang Museo (NMP Satellite Museum of the Year).
Individual awards include: Gawad sa Natatanging Paglilingkod ng Individual (Individual Achievement Award), Gawad sa Tagapagtaguyod ng Sining at Kultura (Patron of the Arts or Special Recognition Award), Gawad sa Natatanging Pamumuno ng Museo (Museum Leadership Award), and Gawad sa Natatanging Kawani ng Museo (Museum Worker of the Year).
All awards are inspired by standards set by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).
All SEC-registered museums are eligible for the institutional awards while Filipino citizens, either born or naturalized can be nominate for the individual awards according to "Ang MUSEO" Project Manager Maya Estrada.
For more information, visit the official "Ang MUSEO" website https://museumfoundationph.org/ang-museo/
To ensure the utmost integrity of the recognition, all entries will go through a rigorous, two-tier governance structure, culminating in an evaluation by an esteemed jury of independent experts in museum work, heritage conservation, and education, with the winners being announced at an awarding ceremony in October.
According to MFPI Executive Director Tanya Pico, the awards are driven by a “Shared Love” for Philippine heritage. 'We want to bring well-deserved recognition to the unsung regional stewards, independent museum owners, and university-run museums nationwide, ensuring that every vital space—no matter its size or location—is honored for keeping the Filipino story alive.”
The official call for Ang MUSEO entries will run from March 15 to May 15, 2026. By Dexter R. Matilla
For updates on the MFPI and its ongoing projects, please visit the official Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (MFPI) website (https://museumfoundationph.org), Facebook (@MuseumFoundationPH), Instagram (@MuseumFoundationPH), or X (@museumfdnph).
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