Memorandum Circular No.

2002-81
Creation of Local Culture and the Arts Councils
Section 16 of the Local Government Code of 1991 provides that local government units
play an important role in the development and preservation of Filipino identity.
Likewise Sections 447 (5) (xv), 458 (5), 468 (4) (viii) of the same Code, vest upon local
sanggunians the power to establish local councils whose purpose is the promotion of
culture and the arts, coordinate with government agencies and non-government
organizations and subject to the availability of funds, appropriate funds for the support
and development of the same.
In order to promote the Filipino Culture; instill nationhood and cultural unity, and raise
the level of consciousness of the people on cultural valus, conservation of historical and
cultural heritage and resources must be done to remind us of our national culture and
identity.
In pursuit of these mandates, goals and objectives, there is a need to create bodies at
the local levels that will ensure the preservation, enrichment and promotion of the
Filipino national culture. All provinces, cities and municipalities through their respective
sangguniars, are herby encouraged to create the Provincial, City/Municipal Councils for
the Culture ans the Arts chaired by the Local Chief Executives with the following
suggested/recommended composition and functions:
1. Composition:
a. A representative of the Local Tourism Council
b. Chairman, Sanggunian, Committee on Culture and the Arts
c. Local Cultural Officers or the equivalent
d. Local Plannng & Development Coordinator
e. Local Information Officer
f. Local Budget Officer
g. Officer of the local historical/conservation/heritage society (if any)
h. One (1) representative from the private sector
i. One (1) representative each from indigenous peoples and cultural communities
present in the area.
2. Functions:
a. Prepare an annual plan on culture and the arts consonant to the Medium Term
Philippine Development Plan for Culture and the Arts, to be integrated in the local
development plan

b. Formulate programs and recommendations to develop local cultural and artistic

talents
c. Ensure the protection, preservation and conservation of the local cultural and
historical heritage
d. In coordination with the private sector, conduct cultural events such as cultural
festivals, competition, lectures, seminars, fora and symposia; set up exhibits during
fiestas and other related activities
e. Conduct periodic consultations with all stakeholders to identify grassroots-based
cultural concerns, issues and agenda
f. Encourage the development of local cultural industries
g. Conduct periodic inventory of Local cultural objects and sites in coordination with the
National Commission for Culture and the Arts
h. Coordinate with existing Local Culture and the Arts Councils
The Bureau of Local Government Development (BLGD) in coordination with the DILG
Regional Offices shall monitor compliance of local government units (LGUs) to this
Circular and shall be included in the Departments existing monitoring and reporting
system. BLGD is hereby directed to submit quarterly report on LGUs compliance to his
issuance to the Office of the Secretary through the Office of the Undersecretary for
Local Governments.
All DILG Regional Directors and Field Offices are hereby directed to cause the widest
dissemination of this Memorandum-Circular and provide the necessary assistance to
LGUs and monitor compliance thereof.
For guidance and compliance
JOSE D. LINA, JR.
Secretary