As the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) celebrates its 28th Anniversary, it is fitting to look into the meaning of its existence then and now.

The CCP was created in 1966 by virtue of Executive Order No. 30 as a trust for the benefit of the Filipino people for the purpose of preserving and promoting Philippine culture in all its varied aspects. Since then, the primary vision of the Center was kept alive through three government turnovers.

Even before its inauguration in 1969, the construction of the CCP Main Building was a controversial issue. It was subjected to a barrage of criticisms by members of the opposition during the Marcos regime because it was built at a time when the country was struggling economical and politically. It was branded as an institution for the elite, a center for the performing arts and which was partial to foreign artists.

Despite this, the CCP continued to pursue its purpose of being not just a venue for the performing arts but as a place where one can discover, understand and appreciate the diversities of the culture of the Filipinos. For many years, it struggled to correct the common misconception that art appreciation and the discovery of a distinct Filipino soul can only be done by a select few those who can afford and those who are highly educated.

In pursuit of these goals, the CCP initiated several programs of reforms.

Decentralization of the arts through national outreach activities became one of its major thrusts. Cultural presentations and exhibition were staged in public areas such as park and plazas.

It likewise encouraged and supported the creation of original Filipino woks as a major program to help a national identity. It gave priority to the Filipino artists in terms of venues and resources.

The Center likewise recognized the importance of arts and culture in fostering international relations. As part of this program, exchanges of foreign and local artists were set in place not only to promote international goodwill and understanding but also to ensure a wider international exposure for our local audiences and artists.

It also work for the development of artistic excellence by conducting researches and studies on aesthetic evolved by local cultures, planned and adopted training programs for the development and honing of skills and talents and artists and cultural workers and encouraged the continuous exploration and experimentation through numerous workshops.