President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has conferred the title of National Artist on 10 Filipinos in recognition of their significant and enduring contributions to Philippine arts and letters.
Communications Secretary Dave Gomez confirmed the conferment Wednesday evening, citing Proclamation No. 1414, which Marcos signed on September 1.
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.
The recognition was awarded posthumously to Formoso, Brillantes, Lao, and Hilado.
The Order of National Artists represents the country’s highest state distinction for Filipinos whose work has made exceptional and lasting contributions to the development of Philippine arts and letters.
The President grants the honor based on the joint recommendation of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
Those named National Artists receive the official rank, a gold-plated medallion produced by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, a citation, and a Grand Collar during formal investiture ceremonies.
The distinction also provides lifetime benefits to living awardees. Under current NCCA guidelines, they receive a minimum ₱200,000 cash award, net of taxes, as well as a ₱50,000 monthly lifetime stipend.
Living National Artists are also entitled to medical and hospitalization assistance of up to ₱750,000 annually, along with life insurance coverage through the Government Service Insurance System and/or private insurance companies, subject to applicable regulations and insurability.
After their death, National Artists are accorded a State Funeral, with the government covering the arrangements and expenses. They are also given a place of honor at state occasions, national commemorations, and cultural activities.