President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed on Tuesday to create a nurturing environment under Bagong Pilipinas to revitalize the skills and talents of Filipino artists, calling on them to “continue to create, to innovate, to excel” in their arts and craft.

Speaking during the “16th Ani ng Dangal” at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila, President Marcos urged Filipino talents and aspirants to act on their dreams, believe in themselves, break any barriers that hinder their creativity, and hone their craft.

“Rest assured, your government in the Bagong Pilipinas will create a nurturing environment that will see your talent fully and finally bloom,” President Marcos said in his speech before the awardees at the 16th Ani ng Dangal 2024.

“We know that art can only flourish under an atmosphere of freedom, and under Bagong Pilipinas, this is something that we will guarantee,” the chief executive added.

The “Ani ng Dangal” is an annual concluding rites of National Arts Month every February, which honors natural-born Filipino artists or groups who have received international awards and accolades in the fields of architecture, cinema, dance, dramatic arts, literary arts, music, visual arts, folk arts and broadcast arts over the past year.

Inspired by the vision of nurturing more talents, the President lauded this year’s exemplary awardees that brought pride, joy, and honor to the country, showcasing great culture and arts performances, locally or internationally.

“For you represent the best of your craft, your luminous performances here and abroad showcasing the best that our country can offer. It is time that you are honored by your own, in your homeland, to which you have given so much pride and joy,” he said.

The chief executive also thanked the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for leading the annual awarding rites and spearheading the preservation, development and promotion of Philippine arts and culture. PND