Manila: Silay City, the creative and cultural capital of Negros Occidental, has been honored with a third national artist following the posthumous recognition of Teodoro 'Teddy' Hilado as a national artist for theater.

According to Philippines News Agency, this accolade has been hailed as a significant achievement for the province and the Third District. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez expressed his pride on social media, emphasizing Silay's role as a hub of creativity and culture. Benitez, who previously served as a congressman for Negros Occidental's Third District, highlighted the personal significance of the new national artists, noting their deep connection to his origins and journey.

The late Teodoro 'Teddy' Hilado was celebrated for bringing his world-class theater expertise back to his roots by designing the stage of the Kansilayan Gym, now known as the Natalio Velez Sports and Cultural Center. Benitez elaborated on how Hilado's design transformed the venue into a space for local artists to express themselves through theater, with its technical features specifically tailored for theatrical productions.

Silay City is also the hometown of two other national artists: the late architect Leandro Locsin, who received the title in 1990 for architecture, and Agnes Locsin, recognized in 2022 for dance.

Benitez also congratulated Negrense artist Nunelucio Alvarado, who was named a national artist for visual arts this year. He praised Alvarado's work for its deep roots in the lives of the local sugar workers, farmers, and residents.

Maria Beatriz 'Patis' Tesoro, dubbed the 'Grand Dame of Philippine Fashion,' was also recognized as a national artist for design. Benitez mentioned ongoing collaboration with Tesoro at TESDA to incorporate her expertise in Philippine fashion into skills training programs for the next generation of Filipino artisans.

Benitez, a literary scholar, expressed admiration for Nicanor Tiongson, the newly appointed national artist for literature. Tiongson has been instrumental in preserving Philippine literature, theater, and cultural traditions through his writing and cultural initiatives.

The latest group of national artists also includes Gregorio Brillantes for literature, Imelda Cajipe for visual arts, Gabriel Formoso for architecture, Rafael 'Nonoy' Froilan for dance, Armando 'Bing' Lao for film and broadcast arts, and Alfredo Buenaventura for music. Formoso, Brillantes, and Lao were honored posthumously.

The Order of National Artists represents the highest national recognition for contributions to Philippine arts and letters. The President bestows this honor based on recommendations from the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Recipients receive the title and rank of National Artist, a gold-plated medallion from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, a citation, and a Grand Collar during formal ceremonies.