The “FLOW: Navigating the Future Together” of the newly opened ASEAN Cultural Center in Manila at the launch of the center in Metropolitan Theater in Manila on August 9, 2026. National Commission for Culture and the Arts
MANILA, Philippines — The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) opened the new the ASEAN Cultural Center in Manila (ACCM) in the historic Metropolitan Theater in Manila, strengthening the country’s regional commitment as this year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations chair.
The ACCM is a regional cultural hub seeking to deepen ties among ASEAN Member States and dialogue partners through knowledge-sharing, joint programs, and stronger cultural policies.
“Through creation myths, horizons, textiles, boat-building traditions, and architecture, the exhibition celebrates the different expressions of who we are, yet together, they tell one shared story,” NCCA chair and executive director Dr. Eric B. Zerrudo said at the center’s opening last Sunday, August 9.
Zerrudo also said bringing the development to fruition required proactive initiatives, steadfast support from country leaders, and a sustained commitment to advancing cultural cooperation across the region.
Present at the ACCM’s opening with Zerrudo were his predecessor National Archives of the Philippines executive director Victorino Mapa Manalo, Cultural Center of the Philippines president Kaye Tinga, National Museum of the Philippines director-general Jeremy Barns, and First Lady Liza Marcos.
Representing ASEAN were deputy secretary-general for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community San Lwin and ASEAN Member States ambassadors, Vietnam’s deputy of its culture ministry Dao Cuong Hoang, and other heads of cultural and government agencies.
All guests joined the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the “FLOW: Navigating the Future Together” gallery exhibition, which explores the region’s diverse cultures through traditional boats, reflecting each member state’s distinct heritage, craftsmanship, and way of life.
Entry to the ACCM in the Manila Metropolitan Theater is free and open to the public. The Philippines will host another ASEAN Summit this November in Cebu.