MANILA -- Highlighting the importance of museums and galleries to the nation’s consciousness, President Ferdinand R. Marcos encouraged Filipinos Monday to visit these facilities as the country observes Museums and Galleries Month 2022.

“Ang dalang kultura, kamalayan at kasaysayan ng ating mga museums at galleries ay pumupukaw sa’ting damdaming makabayan at pambansang pagkakilanlan,” Marcos said in a message.

“Mahalagang bahagi ito sa ating nation-building. Bisitahin natin ang ating mga museo at ipagmalaki ang ating pagka-Pilipino,” he added.

Museums and Galleries Month is observed in the month of October each year, aimed at honoring museums and galleries and highlighting the importance of pride in Filipino culture and heritage.

It is also being observed to arouse national consciousness, emphasizing that a country’s art and culture are intrinsically linked to the process of nation-building and the idea of national destiny.

Established in 1991 through Presidential Proclamation No. 798, its observance also aims to present “expressions of unity and national identity” in the country.

The Museums and Galleries Month 2022, which carries the theme, “Embracing Uncertainty: Showcasing Solidarity, Hope, and Recovery,” highlights the binding role of museums and galleries as cultural identifiers in a rapidly-changing world. (PND)