The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) marks Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino 2026 with a week-long programme of concerts, awards, discussions and world premieres celebrating the richness, diversity and future of Filipino music.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is leading the nationwide celebration of Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (LMP) 2026, reaffirming its commitment to preserving, promoting and advancing the country’s rich musical heritage. Held in accordance with Proclamation No. 933, series of 2014, which designates the last week of July as Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino, this year’s programme showcases Filipino musical excellence through performances, recognition of outstanding artists, educational forums and the debut of new compositions.
The official opening, Musika at Himig Natin: Ang Konsiyerto, takes place on 28 July at the Metropolitan Theater (MET), bringing together some of the Philippines’ most acclaimed performers and ensembles. Audiences can look forward to performances by the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Singers, the UST Symphony Orchestra, the Mandaluyong Children’s Choir, PHILBANDA, Charina Balmores, Isay Alvarez, Reuben Laurente, Bituin Escalante, Robert Seña and Rachelle Gerodias. Together, they represent the diversity of Filipino musical traditions while highlighting both established and emerging talents.
Later that evening, the SUDI National Music Awards will honour exceptional contributions to the Philippine music industry. First launched in 2020, the awards recognise individuals and organisations whose work has significantly shaped the country’s musical landscape. This year’s ceremony will celebrate recipients from 2021 to 2024, including acclaimed artists Ben&Ben, Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, SB19, Vincent De Jesus, Dr Marie Jocelyn Marfil, Alfonso ‘Coke’ Bolipata, Maria Alexandra Chua, the UST Singers, The New Cebu Arts Foundation, Inc., and the MSU-IIT Integrated Performing Arts Guild. The National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) Foundation, Inc. will also receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Expanding this year’s programme, the inaugural MusikaTalakayan sa LMP 2026 will be held on 30 and 31 July at Centro de Turismo in Intramuros. Bringing together musicians, scholars, educators and cultural practitioners, the conference will examine Philippine musical heritage, education, documentation and the role of the creative economy in strengthening the local music industry. Each day’s discussions will be complemented by Pagtatanghal: Musika at Tinig sa Mas Malapit na Espasyo, an intimate concert showcasing the expressive depth and artistry of Filipino music in a more personal performance setting.
The celebration concludes on 1 August with the Bagong Musika at Himig Natin: NCCA Composition Prize World Premiere Series at the MET Ballroom. Featuring the first public performances of winning entries from the NCCA Composition Prize, the concert will introduce new works spanning chamber music, handbell choir, solo organ, solo piano, solo rondalla, solo string and solo wind categories. Through this comprehensive programme, Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino 2026 celebrates the traditions that define Filipino music, honours the artists who continue to enrich it, and supports the next generation of composers and performers shaping the country’s vibrant musical future.
Source: National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)
