#𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆𝗣𝗛 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀

Manila, 9 August 2024 — The #NationalLibraryPH (NLP) has officially declared the manuscripts of Dr. José P. Rizal—Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo, and Mi Último Adiós—as National Cultural Treasures (NCT).

NLP Director IV Cesar Gilbert Q. Adriano unveiled the National Cultural Treasure markers together with the First Lady of the Republic of the Philippines Louise Araneta-Marcos and the Secretary of the Department of Education, Hon. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” A. Angara, during the opening of the new NLP Permanent Gallery, where these esteemed collections are housed.

The declaration falls under the Revised National Cultural Heritage Act, which defines a National Cultural Treasure as “a unique cultural property found locally possessing outstanding historical, cultural, artistic, and/or scientific value, is highly significant and important to the country and nation.” The Act designates the NLP as the cultural agency responsible for identifying and registering rare and significant Philippine books and manuscripts.

A panel of experts led by Aaron James Ricardo Veloso, Michael Charleston “Xiao” B. Chua, and Ian Christopher B. Alfonso recommended the designation of Rizal’s manuscripts. In their recommendation, they highlighted that the manuscripts are the original and unique reminders of Dr. Rizal’s inspiration, and form part of the foundational documents of the nation because of its contribution to the shaping of Filipino identity and nationhood, and among the most priceless and of exceedingly great sentimental value among the entire collection of the NLP.

Director Adriano remarked, “By declaring the manuscripts as National Cultural Treasures, we do not add anything to their value. Rather, it is our way to honor their enduring significance to the nation and to underscore the importance of preserving and promoting these cultural treasures for future generations to appreciate and cherish.”

These NCTs are currently on permanent exhibit at the Gallery of the National Library of the Philippines, Manila which will soon be open to the public. It can also be accessed at the National Memory Project portal of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.