THE National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) said Indigenous peoples (IPs) from across the Philippines will bring their cultures to Intramuros in this year’s Dayaw, set Oct. 13 to 15.
Dayaw is an indigenous Philippine word (primarily found in Ilokano, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, and other Philippine languages) that translates to praise, honor, exaltation, or pride.
Started in 2010, Dayaw’s theme this year is “Pagkamalikhain ng Katutubong Filipino: Pinagtibay ng mga Pagsubok, Umaalab ang Bagong Pag-Asa” (Creativity of Indigenous Filipinos: Strengthened by Challenges, Igniting New Hope).
“Artistic traditions, cultural practices, and indigenous knowledge take center stage in this year’s celebration, recognizing Indigenous peoples as bearers of traditions and sources of strength that preserve identity and inspire hope for the nation,” the NCCA said in a statement on Thursday.
The celebration will showcase indigenous cultural expressions through dance, weaving, arts and crafts, ethnic and indigenous cuisine, performances, musical traditions, and indigenous musical instruments.
“Epics and oral traditions, as well as ethnomedicine and indigenous knowledge, will be shared through presentations, performances, discussions, and cultural exchanges,” it added.
The Foundation for Lingap Kapampangan Inc. is the NCCA’s implementing partner for Dayaw 2026.
“We want people to come close enough to ask questions, listen to stories and understand the people behind the performances,” said Dayaw 2026 Program Director Sonia Soto.
The NCCA said that over 200 IPs, “cultural bearers, artists, educators, youth, and community representatives across 41 clusters of Indigenous communities, together with Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan awardees, artists, cultural practitioners, and other stakeholders, will participate in the event.” October is National Indigenous Peoples Month. It is also Museums and Galleries Month with this year’s theme, “Bridging Divides: Preserving the Present for Tomorrow.”