Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has named 10 Filipinos as National Artists, recognizing their significant contributions to Philippine arts and letters across literature, visual arts, architecture, dance, design, film, theater, and music. Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez confirmed the conferment on Wednesday evening, citing Proclamation No. 1414 signed by Marcos on September 1.
According to Philippines News Agency, the new National Artists are Nicanor Tiongson and Gregorio Brillantes for Literature; Imelda Cajipe Endaya and Nunelucio Alvarado for Visual Arts; Gabriel Formoso for Architecture; Rafael 'Nonoy' Froilan for Dance; Maria Beatriz 'Patis' Tesoro for Design; Armando 'Bing' Lao for Film and Broadcast Arts; Teodoro Hilado for Theater; and Alfredo S. Buenaventura for Music. Formoso, Brillantes, Lao, and Hilado were conferred the honor posthumously.
The Order of National Artists is the country's highest national recognition for Filipinos who have made distinct and significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts and letters. The President confers the honor upon the recommendation of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
National Artists receive the title and rank of National Artist, a gold-plated medallion minted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, a citation, and a Grand Collar during formal ceremonies. The distinction also carries lifetime benefits, with current NCCA guidelines providing living National Artists a minimum cash award of PHP200,000, net of taxes, and a PHP50,000 lifetime monthly stipend.
They are also entitled to medical and hospitalization benefits of up to PHP750,000 per year and life insurance coverage through the Government Service Insurance System and/or private insurers, subject to applicable rules and insurability. National Artists are accorded a State Funeral upon death, with arrangements and expenses shouldered by the government, and are given a place of honor in state functions, national commemorations, and cultural presentations.
