As we approach May 2025, the Department of Education (DepEd) encourages schools, educational institutions, and communities across the Philippines to actively participate in the 2025 National Heritage Month (NHM) celebration. Announced through DepEd Memorandum No. 010, s. 2025, this year’s theme—“Preserving Legacies, Building Futures: Empowering Communities Through Heritage”—reminds us of the significant role heritage plays in connecting generations, fostering unity, and driving the preservation of our shared cultural and historical treasures.
What is National Heritage Month?
National Heritage Month (NHM) is celebrated every May under Presidential Proclamation No. 439, s. 2003, which designates the month to honor and preserve the nation's cultural, historical, and natural heritage. In 2025, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) will lead the observance with an emphasis on the power of heritage to empower communities and help shape future generations.
The 2025 theme underscores the importance of heritage conservation and capacity-building initiatives that not only honor the past but also enable communities to thrive. From the indigenous people to urban communities, the call is for collaboration and collective effort to safeguard our rich cultural identity.
How You Can Participate
DepEd is encouraging all regional offices, schools, and learning centers to take part in activities that celebrate and promote the value of heritage. Here’s how you can get involved:
Spread the Word: Schools and educational institutions are urged to actively share and post materials related to the 2025 NHM observance. These include the official NHM poster, Facebook banners, and NHM Calendar of Activities on school websites and social media pages. By doing so, you help raise awareness and engage the community in heritage preservation efforts.
Join the Online Campaign: Participate in the official online campaign by sharing heritage-related content. Use hashtags like #NHM2025 and #NHMEmpoweringCommunitiesThroughHeritage to spread messages of heritage appreciation across social media platforms. You can post photos, videos, and news features from NCCA’s pages or contribute your own heritage stories to enrich the discussion.
Host and Attend Heritage Events: Schools and organizations can organize or attend a variety of NHM-related activities. These might include seminars, workshops, lectures, webinars, and exhibits that focus on heritage conservation and cultural awareness. You may also submit a proposal for your planned activity and have it featured in the official NHM Calendar of Activities. Make sure to submit your proposal by April 1, 2025 for inclusion.
Document and Share Your Activities: After your school or community’s NHM event, be sure to submit a detailed activity report and high-quality photos to the NHM Secretariat by June 13, 2025. These will be included in the NHM 2025 Souvenir Program, helping to highlight the efforts made to preserve and celebrate the nation’s heritage.
Encouraging Voluntary Participation
It's important to note that the participation of learners and teachers in NHM activities is voluntary and should not interfere with instructional time. This aligns with the guidelines of DepEd Orders No. 009, s. 2024 and No. 9, s. 2005, which ensure that school activities do not disrupt regular academic schedules.
Why Heritage Matters
The theme “Preserving Legacies, Building Futures” speaks to the vital role of heritage in shaping our collective future. Heritage is not just a reminder of where we’ve been but also a beacon guiding the way forward. By preserving our cultural practices, historical landmarks, and traditions, we foster a deep sense of identity and belonging, making our communities stronger and more resilient.
As we look to future generations, it’s essential to instill the importance of heritage conservation in both young and old. Through collaboration, education, and a shared commitment to our past, we can ensure that the legacies of today are preserved for tomorrow.
Conclusion
The 2025 National Heritage Month celebration offers an excellent opportunity for us all to reflect on the importance of heritage in shaping our cultural identity and future. Let’s come together, as schools, communities, and individuals, to not only celebrate the diverse cultures that make the Philippines unique but also actively contribute to preserving and empowering future generations through heritage.
Stay connected, share your stories, and help keep the conversation going with the hashtags #NHM2025 and #NHMEmpoweringCommunitiesThroughHeritage. Together, we can build a more culturally enriched future.
For more details, you can access NHM 2025 reference materials here.