Ten Filipinos from different generations and artistic disciplines have joined the ranks of the country’s National Artists, with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognizing their contributions to Philippine culture and the arts.
The conferment, confirmed Wednesday evening by Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez, covers eight fields ranging from literature and visual arts to architecture, dance, design, film, theater and music.
Proclamation No. 1414, signed by Marcos on Sept. 1, named Nicanor Tiongson and Gregorio Brillantes as National Artists for Literature.
Imelda Cajipe Endaya and Nunelucio Alvarado were recognized for Visual Arts, while Gabriel Formoso received the honor for Architecture and Rafael “Nonoy” Froilan for Dance.
Maria Beatriz “Patis” Tesoro was named National Artist for Design, Armando “Bing” Lao for Film and Broadcast Arts, Teodoro Hilado for Theater, and Alfredo S. Buenaventura for Music.
Four of the honorees, Formoso, Brillantes, Lao and Hilado, were conferred the distinction posthumously.
The new conferments expand the roster of Filipinos who have been recognized for helping shape the country’s artistic and cultural landscape through their respective fields.
The Order of National Artists is the Philippines’ highest national recognition for individuals who have made distinct and significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts and letters.
The honor is conferred by the President based on the recommendations of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
Aside from the title and rank of National Artist, recipients are given a gold plated medallion minted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, a citation and a Grand Collar during formal ceremonies.
The recognition also provides benefits to living awardees. Current NCCA guidelines provide a minimum cash award of P200,000, net of taxes, and a lifetime monthly stipend of P50,000.
Living National Artists are also entitled to medical and hospitalization benefits of up to P750,000 annually, as well as life insurance coverage through the Government Service Insurance System and/or private insurers, subject to applicable rules and insurability.
The distinction continues beyond an awardee’s lifetime. National Artists are accorded a State Funeral upon death, with the government shouldering the arrangements and expenses.
They are likewise given a place of honor at state functions, national commemorations and cultural presentations.
Photo courtesy of Art World Database
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