The Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (MFPI) marks its 40th anniversary with the launch of Ang MUSEO: Gawad ng Museum Foundation of the Philippines, the country’s first national awards program dedicated to recognizing excellence in museums and cultural preservation.
A non-stock, non-profit volunteer organization, MFPI has been at the forefront of promoting and preserving Philippine art and heritage since its founding in 1986 as Friends of the National Museum. Established by cultural advocates including Purita Kalaw-Ledesma, Jaime Laya, Ramon Villegas, and Esperanza Gatbonton, the Foundation has since expanded its reach to support museums nationwide through education, fundraising, and public programs such as the MaArte Fair and Art in the Park.
Over the years, MFPI has played a key role in shaping the Philippine cultural landscape. It successfully advocated for the National Museum Act of 1998, granting autonomy to the National Museum, and has supported significant restoration and acquisition projects, including La Bulaqueña by Juan Luna. The Foundation has also worked to make culture more accessible through initiatives such as providing free museum shuttle services during major cultural festivals.
The launch of Ang MUSEO comes at a crucial time for the cultural sector, as museums continue to adapt and respond to evolving challenges. The program aims to recognize outstanding institutions and individuals who contribute to preserving Filipino heritage, with a strong emphasis on supporting regional and independent museums.
As MFPI celebrates its 40th year, Ang MUSEO is a timely initiative to honor those who safeguard cultural heritage and reinforce the role of museums in protecting national memory while fostering appreciation for history and the arts.
The awards program will feature ten categories covering both institutional and individual achievements, including recognition for exhibitions, educational museums, local museums, museum programs, leadership, and service.
Entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Design and Innovation – 40%
- Attainment of Project Objectives – 35%
- Accuracy and Truthfulness – 15%
- Effective Use of Budget – 10%
Ang MUSEO is open to all permanent, non-profit, and government-run museums, including university and private institutions that have remained operational since 2019. Individual nominees must be Filipino citizens. Submissions must be made through the official Ang MUSEO registration portal, with a deadline set for May 15, 2026, following the opening of nominations on March 15. A standard entry fee of ₱3,000 applies to all categories.
To ensure the integrity and depth of the evaluation process, jury members will conduct site visits to shortlisted entries across the country, allowing them to experience each submission firsthand and fully appreciate its cultural, educational, and visual impact. The selection process will follow a rigorous, multi-stage system, from shortlisting to final deliberation. MFPI is currently forming its panel of jurors, ensuring a balanced and credible group of experts representing heritage, the arts, and related fields.
The awarding ceremony for Ang MUSEO will take place in October 2026 at the iconic Tree of Life, the six-story central structure within the National Museum of Natural History, providing a symbolic setting that reflects the country’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
MFPI is led by President Danny Jacinto and Vice President Gemma Cruz Araneta, alongside a team of officers and trustees dedicated to advancing the Foundation’s mission of fostering awareness of Filipino culture, art, and history.
With the launch of Ang MUSEO, MFPI reaffirms its commitment to supporting the museum community and ensuring that the rich and diverse stories of the Filipino people continue to be preserved and shared for generations to come.
