By: Abraham Reign Magbiro
Photo courtesy of Gwynette Merano | The LANCE
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) hosted a Filipino Values Month Celebration gathering students, educators, and leaders to promote values for the common good, on Friday, Nov. 28, at the Manila Metropolitan Theater.
With the theme “Unity and Change: Promoting Values for the Common Good,” the event featured talks, performances, and activities aiming to inspire Filipinos to live out core values in daily life. This year’s celebration emphasized the importance of unity, cultural pride, and environmental responsibility.
Through keynote speeches, creative presentations, and open discussions, the NCCA encouraged participants to reflect on the values that define the Filipino identity and to put these ideals into action for the benefit of society.
Joy Mayanne Felix Barcoma, Miss Philippines Earth 2025, opened the program, setting a positive and hopeful tone for the day.
Marichu G. Tellano, NCCA Deputy Executive Director, followed with the opening remarks, challenging the youth to lead change and build a future rooted in integrity, resilience, and dedication.
NCCA Commissioner Arvin Manuel Villalon introduced the National Values Program, stressing that values must be taught early and lived out daily; asking the audience to reflect on their most important values, highlighting love for family, education, faith, health, and honesty.
Villalon reminded everyone, “The real test of values is when you put it into action.”
Prof. Felipe De Leon Jr. spoke on the richness of the Filipino language, describing it as a vital link to culture and heritage. He emphasized that “wika” is richer than many languages abroad and is central to Filipino identity.
Environmental Education expert Paul John P. Tigno discussed the need to restore natural resources and protect parks. He explained that environmental changes directly affect Ecological succession, with butterflies and scarabs being replaced by roaches and mosquitoes.
Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, a Filipino actress, focused on practical ways to live out Filipino values. She encouraged attendees to “stop, think, and choose” actions that benefit the common good, and to practice accountability and transparency.
Laxa-Pangilinan also stressed the power of words, saying, “Words can give life or death,” and urged everyone to avoid negative self-talk and gossip.
The program also included an advocacy video, “Just Call,” a lively performance by South Korea-based Filipino boyband HORI7ON, and the animated series “Heneral Tuna” which explored Filipino values through creative storytelling.
In an exclusive interview with the Lance, Ms. Barcoma expressed strong faith in the youth as future leaders, commending their vocal advocacy and willingness to challenge outdated stigmas.
"If you are open to conversations like that, if you are open to social issues like that, if you are that vocal, and if you are that aware, then definitely you are going to make the future much brighter,” Ms. Barcoma added.
The event concluded with a call for all Filipinos to live out their values through everyday actions, uniting tradition, culture, and care for the environment.