There’s something about strolling through museum halls lined with curated frames and stories that showcase history and creativity. Lately, I’ve begun exploring museums across the country, and it’s reshaped how I see the world – or at least our nation.
The Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (MFPI) is celebrating its 40th anniversary with the first awards program dedicated to the cultural preservation and education – “Ang MUSEO: Gawad ng Museum Foundation of the Philippines.”
We got invited to the exclusive media launch where we met the brilliant people working on this awards program, and learned more about its vision. It aims to recognize major galleries, as well as regional stewards, university museums, and dedicated curators who work to preserve history and artistry.
Inspired by standards set by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), Ang MUSEO will feature ten distinct categories:
- Gawad sa Pamanang Tanghal
(Permanent Exhibition of the Year) - Gawad sa Sangay ng Pambansang Museo
(NMP Satellite Museum of the Year) - Gawad sa Napapanahong Tanghal
(Temporary Exhibition of the Year) - Gawad sa Natatanging Paglilingkod ng Indibidwal
(Individual Achievement Award) - Gawad para sa Institusyong Pang-Edukasyon
(Educational Institute Museum of the Year) - Gawad sa Tagapagtaguyod ng Sining at Kultura
(Patron of the Arts or Special Recognition Award) - Gawad para sa Natatanging Pamana
ng Bayan: Lunsod o Munisipalidad
(Local Museum of the Year) - Gawad sa Natatanging Pamumuno ng Museo
(Museum Leadership Award) - Gawad sa Natatanging Programa ng Museo
(Program of the Year) - Gawad sa Natatanging Kawani ng Museo
(Museum Worker of the Year) 2026
To uphold the highest integrity, all entries will undergo a rigorous two-tier review process, culminating in evaluation by a distinguished panel of independent experts in museum practices, heritage conservation, and education. Winners will be announced at an October awards ceremony.
According to MFPI Executive Director Tanya Pico, the awards are driven by a “Shared Love” for Philippine heritage. ‘We want to bring well-deserved recognition to the unsung regional stewards, independent museum owners, and university-run museums nationwide, ensuring that every vital space – no matter its size or location – is honored for keeping the Filipino story alive.”
Founded in the 1980s as “Friends of the National Museum” the MFPI is a non-stock, non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Philippine art and cultural heritage. From successfully advocating for the National Museum Act of 1998 to funding the restoration of works such as Juan Luna’s La Bulaqueña, the Foundation works to foster awareness of Filipino culture and history while supporting the sustainability of the National Museum community.
Today, the MFPI is continuously expanding its mission of education and advocacy, spearheading fundraising, education, supporting initiatives, staging signature events like the MaArte Fair.
Thank you so much for having me! It’s nice to reconnect with friends in the blogging industry
The official call for Ang MUSEO entries will run from March 15 to May 15, 2026. Official mechanics, entry portals, and competition updates will be accessible through (add link to portal). For updates on the MFPI and its ongoing projects, please visit the official Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (MFPI) website (https://museumfoundationph.org), Facebook (@MuseumFoundationPH), Instagram (@MuseumFoundationPH), or X (@museumfdnph).
