Dayaw 2016 will be a convergence of more than 200 representatives from 45 indigenous cultural communities of the Philippines and ASEAN member countries.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) opens DAYAW: Philippine International Indigenous Peoples’ Festival on November 22 to 24 in Metro Manila with a gathering of Filipino and fellow ASEAN indigenous communities.

“Dayaw” means “to present with pride what is distinctly and essentially inherent to oneself,” “to show one’s best with pride and dignity coupled with excitement”, and “honor” in various Philippine languages.

Dayaw 2016 will be a convergence of more than 200 representatives from 45 indigenous cultural communities of the Philippines and ASEAN member countries. Themed Weaving Asian Cultures Promoting Peace and Sustainable Growth, Dayaw highlights traditional and local knowledge in the advocacy for peace while sharing the uniqueness of the ASEAN culture.

The three-day event shall stage performances of traditional performance arts from the indigenous groups and exhibit ASEAN traditional arts and crafts as well as creations of the National Living Treasures and outputs of the Schools of Living Traditions of the Philippines. An IP Forum will ensue and will serve as a venue for interaction with the country representatives, community leaders, cultural masters, youth, legislators and participants in an exchange of traditional knowledge and practices to sustain peace in the community.

Dayaw closes with a cultural night which recognizes the important contributions of our cultural bearers and masters in the preservation and perpetuation of traditional arts and culture.

NCCA’s Indigenous Peoples’ Festival were previously celebrated in Capiz (2009), Manila (2010), Davao (2011), Bulacan (2012), Leyte, Bohol, Aklan and Cebu for (2013). For 2014, Dayaw was held in Baguio City in Luzon; Bacolod City in the Visayas; Zamboanga City in Mindanao. Last Year, Pampanga hosted the Dayaw fest and for 2016, it will be held again in Metro Manila at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

Prior to the festival, an IP Pride Night was also celebrated at the Quezon City Memorial Circle last October 28,2016.

NCCA Subcommission on Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts (SCCTA) spearheads Dayaw Indigenous Peoples Festival in celebration of the National Indigenous Peoples’ Month, by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 1906.

For more information on Dayaw festival, please contact: Ms. Renee Talavera, Head of the NCCA Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts Section, through numbers:  +63-2-527-2214; +63-2-527-2192 loc. 524/5. You may also email dayawfestival@gmail.com  Mobile: +63-918-942-7970