NCCA’s 2027 Competitive Grants Program proposals to undergo ‘stringent’ review process
MANILA, Philippines — Artists, cultural workers, researchers, local government units, educational institutions, indigenous peoples’ organizations, non-government organizations and other cultural stakeholders can now submit proposals as the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) officially opens its Call for Proposals for the Calendar Year 2027 Competitive Grants Program.
Project proposals that “contribute to the preservation, promotion, development and dissemination of Philippine arts and culture” may be submitted until Aug. 31.
According to the media release, anchored on Republic Act No. 7356, the Competitive Grants Program remains one of the commission’s core mandates in supporting cultural development across the country through the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts (NEFCA). The program provides financial assistance to projects that uphold Filipino creativity, safeguard cultural heritage, strengthen cultural communities and expand access to arts and culture nationwide.
For the 2027 cycle, the NCCA encourages proposals that respond to the country’s evolving cultural landscape while remaining aligned with the commission’s mandate and the strategic priorities of its four subcommissions: Arts, Cultural Heritage, Cultural Dissemination and Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts.
Those interested in applying must first secure NCCA accreditation to be eligible for the grants program, the agency said in a statement. Applicants must also have no unliquidated grants or derogatory records with the NCCA or any government agency. Complete project proposals may be submitted via e-mail or courier, the agency added.
The NCCA kicked off its nationwide Competitive Grants Program Roadshows in Baguio City on July 21, in Bacolod City on July 27 for the Visayas and in Davao City on July 28 for Mindanao. An online roadshow for National Capital Region interested proponents was held on July 21.
The NCCA encouraged applicants to carefully review the guidelines, proposal categories and documentary requirements before submission. The complete materials for the Competitive Grants Program for 2027 are available on the NCCA website.
NCCA executive director for operations Bernan Joseph Corpuz explained the three-step proposal approval process and noted that the grants program follows a stringent evaluation process.
“First, once the NCCA receives the proposals, the Secretariat checks whether all the required documents have been submitted and verifies that the proposal is aligned with the program’s requirements and objectives. The first level of review is conducted according to what we call our 19 sectors. The commission is organized into four subcommissions. These committees serve as the first level of review, assessing whether the proposals respond to the required deliverables and the specific call for proposals,” he said at the presscon.
It will then be reviewed at the subcommission level, he added. “At this stage, they assess whether the proposed project aligns with the NCCA’s programs, not only from the perspective of a specific committee but also at a broader, higher level of evaluation.”
Lastly, the proposals are recommended to the NCCA Board of Commissioners, which serves as the final decision-making body for all programs and projects seeking funding. “Ang kanilang level naman po ng pananaw dito sa pag-review nila ay kung ano yung na-angkop sa katawagan ng pangangailangan sa buong Pilipinas.”
The specific programs and projects identified by the different sectors are aligned with the Philippine Development Plan for Culture and the Arts, Corpuz continued. “Meron din pong mga specificities dun at ito na po yung lente na tinitingnan naman ng ating mga commissioners dahil mas mataas na ang antas nila.”
“Ang Board of Commissioners natin ay pinangungunahan hindi lamang ng private sectors and representatives in fields of arts, cultural heritage, cultural dissemination and cultural communities but also of representatives from key government agencies and institutions, including the Department of Education, the Department of Tourism, as well as members of the legislature,” added Corpuz.
“Makikita po ninyo ng medyo stringent po talaga ang ating pagpili ng ating mga programa,” he stated.
In his opening remarks, NCCA chairman and director Eric Zerrudo mentioned that the Competitive Grants Program is one of the commission’s most important programs. “Through this initiative, the commission fulfills its mandate to support meaningful projects and initiatives that promote, enrich and preserve the arts and culture of our nation.”
“From conceptualization to successful implementation, our grantees under this program serve as bridges, connecting arts and culture practitioners with communities across the country,” he remarked.
“With every project we support, we create opportunities for artists, researchers, organizations, cultural institutions, local government units and communities to realize their creative visions through initiatives that make tangible and lasting contributions to our nation.”
Joining Zerrudo and Corpuz at the presscon were National Committee on Communication under the Subcommission on Cultural Dissemination vice head May-I Padilla, National Committee on Music Subcommission on the Arts head Maria Alexandra Chua, National Committee on Dance head and Subcommission on the Arts commissioner Lordinio Vergara, National Committee on Archives head and Subcommission on Cultural Heritage secretary Emma Rey and National Committee on Northern Cultural Communities head Arwin Paul Lingat.
Kontra-GaPi (Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino) showcased a cultural dance performance during the program.
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