ILOILO – The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has designated Iloilo Provincial Government’s Public Information and Community Affairs Office (PICAO) chief Jose Nereo Lujan as a member of the Executive Council of the National Committee on Monuments and Sites.
In a letter dated January 12, NCCA chairman and executive director Eric Zerrudo formally informed Lujan – an advocate of Ilonggo heritage preservation – that the NCCA Board of Commissioners confirmed his designation during its meeting on November 27, 2025, underscoring Iloilo’s growing role in shaping national heritage policy.
Lujan’s term will run from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028.
As a member of the Executive Council, Lujan is tasked to help craft rules and regulations governing the policy formulation, composition, operations, and dissolution of national committees, subject to commission approval.
His mandate also includes initiating studies and recommending policies and projects in the field of monuments and sites; advising the Commission on policy matters such as the use of grant funds and pending culture-related bills in Congress; and proposing and advocating legislation for the culture and arts sector.
In addition, Lujan will contribute to the preparation of annual, medium-, and long-term plans; help standardize criteria for prioritizing programs and projects; assist in identifying artists, cultural workers, academic institutions, and organizations that can support NCCA initiatives; attend regular and special committee meetings; and serve as a resource person in lectures and workshops conducted by the Commission.
The appointment places an Iloilo-based official at the center of national decision-making on heritage conservation and cultural policy./PN