Order of National Artists

• Proclamation No. 1001, s. 1972 established The Order of National Artists.
• It's the highest national recognition for Filipinos who significantly contributed to Philippine arts development.
• The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) manages the award.
• The President of the Philippines grants the award every three years, based on recommendations from NCCA and CCP.

Objectives

• The Order of National Artists aims to recognize Filipino artists with significant contributions to the country's cultural heritage.
• It also aims to recognize Filipino artistic accomplishments at the highest level, promoting creative expression for national identity development.
• Recognition extends to Filipino artists who dedicated their lives to forging new paths for future generations.

Selection Criteria

• The Order of National Artists is given to living, natural-born Filipino citizens at nomination time.
• It is also given to those who died after 1972 but were Filipino citizens at death.
• Filipinos who lost and re-acquired citizenship via dual citizenship for at least five years are eligible.
• Artists contributing to a Filipino sense of nationhood through their work's content and form are considered.
• Artists pioneering creative expression or style, earning distinction and impacting future generations can be selected.
• Selection also considers artists with a substantial, significant body of work, consistently displaying excellence enriching artistic expression.
• Considerations also include artists with broad acceptance via prestigious national/international recognition like Gawad CCP Para sa Sining, CCP Thirteen Artists Award, and NCCA Alab ng Haraya.
• Also considered are critical acclaim/reviews and respect/esteem from peers.

Honors and Privileges

• National Artist rank and title are proclaimed by the President.
• Awardees receive a National Artist gold-plated medallion from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and a citation.
• Lifetime emolument, material, and physical benefits compare to those of the highest officers.
• Living awardees get a minimum cash award of P200,000.00 (net of taxes).
• Posthumous awardees' legal heirs receive a minimum cash award of P150,000.00 (net of taxes).
• Awardees receive a minimum lifetime personal monthly stipend of P30,000.00 beginning January 1, 2013.
• Life insurance coverage is provided for insurable awardees.
• A state funeral benefit not exceeding P500,000.00 is provided.
• A place of honor is given in state functions, national commemoration ceremonies, and cultural presentations, following protocol.

The National Artists: Architecture - National Capital Region

• Pablo S. Antonio (1976) was born in Binondo, Manila and pioneered modern Philippine architecture.
• He emphasized function over elegance, maximizing natural light and cross-ventilation.
• His major works include the Far Eastern University Administration and Science buildings, Manila Polo Club, Ideal Theater, Galaxy Theater, Capitan Luis Gonzaga Building, Boulevard-Alhambra apartments, and Ramon Roces Publications Building.
• Juan F. Nakpil (1973) was born in Quiapo, Manila, and known as the “Dean of Filipino Architects”.
• He espoused architecture reflecting Philippine traditions and culture
• His major works include the Geronimo de los Reyes Building, Magsaysay Building, Rizal Theater, Capitol Theater, Captain Pepe Building, Manila Jockey Club, Rufino Building, Philippine Village Hotel, University of the Philippines Administration and University Library, and the reconstructed Rizal house in Calamba, Laguna.
• Ildefonso P. Santos (2006) was born in Malabon, Manila, and considered the “Father of Philippine Landscape Architecture.”
• His works include Tagaytay Highland resort, Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa, Batangas, and Orchard Gold and Country Club in Imus, Cavite.

The National Artists: Architecture - Regions

• Jose Maria V. Zaragoza (2014) was from Guagua, Pampanga, and his name became synonymous with modern ecclesiastical architecture.
• Major works include Meralco Building, Philbanking Building, Sto. Domingo Church and Convent, Metropolitan Cathedral of Cebu City, and Villa San Miguel Church in Mandaluyong.
• Leandro V. Locsin (1990) was born in Silay, Negros Occidental, believing true Philippine Architecture combines oriental and occidental cultures to produce harmony.
• He used floating volume, light/heavy duality, and buoyant/massive themes.
• His largest work is the Istana Nurul Iman, the Sultan of Brunei's palace.
• He designed the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Folk Arts Theater, Philippine International Convention Center, Philcite, and The Westin Hotel.

The National Artists: Visual Arts - National Capital Region

• Fernando Amorsolo (1972) was born in Paco, Manila, and known as the “Grand Old Man of Philippine Art.”
• He was the first National Artist, trademarked by the backlighting technique showing figures aglow.
• Major works include Maiden in a Stream (1921), El Ciego (1928), Dalagang Bukid (1936), The Meztiza (1943), Planting Rice (1946), and Sunday Morning Going to Town (1958).
• Cesar Legaspi (1990) was a pioneer “Neo-Realist” known for refining cubism in the Philippines.
• He used geometric fragmentation, weaving social comment and juxtaposing mythical and modern elements.
• Works include Gadgets I, Gadgets II, Diggers, Idols of the Third Eye, Facade, Ovary, Flora and Fauna, Triptych, Flight, Bayanihan, Struggle, Avenging Figure, Turning Point, Peace, The Survivor, and The Ritual.
• Hernando Ocampo (1991) was a self-taught painter from Sta. Cruz, Manila, who evoked the Philippine landscape with its flora and fauna using fierce and bold colors.
• He played a pivotal role in sustaining the Philippine Art Gallery, the country's first.
• His masterpiece “Genesis” served as the basis of the CCP Main Theater's curtain design.
• Other works include Ina ng Balon, Calvary, Slum Dwellers, Nude with Candle and Flower, Man and Carabao, Angel's Kiss, Palayok at Kalan, Ancestors, Isda at Mangga, The Resurrection, Fifty-three “Q”, Backdrop, and Fiesta.
• Arturo Luz (1997) established the Luz Gallery which professionalized the art gallery as an institution.
• Significant paintings include Bagong Taon, Vendador de Flores, Skipping Rope, Candle Vendors, Procession, Self-Portrait, Night Glows, Grand Finale, Cities of the Past, and Imaginary Landscapes.
• His mural, Black and White, is in the CCP, and a stainless steel cube sculpture is in front of Benguet Mining Corporation.
• Jose T. Joya (2003) pioneered abstract expressionism in the Philippines.
• He distinguished himself by creating an authentic Filipino abstract idiom transcending foreign influences.
• Paintings of harmonious colors were inspired by Philippine landscapes.
• His use of rice paper in collages placed value on transparency, a common characteristic of folk art.
• Benedicto Cabrera (2006) hails from Malabon and is noted as the best-selling painter of his generation.
• He created the "Sabel" figure, a melancholic symbol of dislocation, despair, and inequities in Philippine society.
• Federico Aguilar Alcuaz (2009) was a painter and sculptor from Sta. Cruz, Manila, mainly known for gestural acrylic and oil paintings and ink, watercolor, and pencil sketches.
• He studied at the Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid after a Philippine Art Gallery exhibit and fellowship.
• Francisco Coching (2014), born in Buting, Pasig, was known as the “King of Komiks” and "Dean of Filipino Illustrators.”
• Starting in 1934, he was central to forming the popular art form of comics and was part of its golden age in the 50s and 60s.

The National Artists: Visual Arts - Regions

• Victorio Edades (1976) was from Barrio Bolosan, Dagupan, Pangasinan, and known as the “Father of Modern Philippine Painting.”
• Unlike Amorsolo, Edades used dark, somber colors favoring laborers, factory workers, and the poor.
• Works include The Sketch, The Artist and the Model, Portrait of the Professor, Japanese Girl, Mother and Daughter, The Wrestlers, and Poinsettia Girl.
• Guillermo Tolentino (1973) was born in Malolos, Bulacan, hailed as the “Father of Philippine Arts.”
• Famous works include the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan and the UP Oblation.
• He designed the Ramon Magsaysay Award medals and the seal of the Republic of the Philippines.
• Vicente Manansala (1981) was a cubist painter/illustrator from Macabebe, Pampanga; his paintings are described as “visions of reality teetering on the edge of abstraction."
• He trained in Paris and Los Angeles, believing art's beauty exists in the process and moment of creation.
• Works include A Cluster of Nipa Hut, San Francisco Del Monte, Banaklaot, I Believe in God, Market Venders, Madonna of the Slums, Still Life with Green Guitar, Via Crucis, Whirr, and Nude.
• Carlos "Botong" Francisco (1973) from Angono revived mural art with his historical pieces like Portrait of Purita, The Invasion of Limahong, Serenade, Muslim Betrothal, Blood Compact, First Mass at Limasawa, Martyrdom of Rizal, Bayanihan, Magpupukot, Fiesta, Bayanihan sa Bukid, and Sandugo.
• J. Elizalde Navarro (1999) was born in Antique, and was a versatile artist with 40 years of drawing, printmaking, graphic designing, painting, and sculpting.
• His mixed media works include I'm Sorry Jesus, I Can't Attend Christmas This Year (1965), Homage to Dodjie Laurel (1969), and A Flying Contraption for Mr. Icarus (1984).
• Napoleon Abueva (1976) from Bohol was the youngest awardee and “Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture.”
• Skilled in academic and abstract styles, he used materials from hardwood and metal to stone.
• His major works include Kaganapan (1953), Kiss of Judas (1955), Thirty Pieces of Silver, The Transfiguration (1979), UP Gateway (1967), Nine Muses (1994), and Sunburst.
• Ang Kiukok was born Ang Hwa Shing, a painter from Davao City, known for fusing cubism, surrealism, and expressionism, often depicting fighting cocks, rabid dogs, and rage.
• Works include Geometric Landscape (1969) and Pieta (1962), which won a bronze medal in Saigon, and Seated Figure (1979).
• Abdulmari Asia Imao (2006) from Sulu was a sculptor, painter, photographer, ceramist, filmmaker, cultural researcher, and writer who popularized indigenous ukkil, sarimanok, and naga motifs in Philippine Muslim art.
• Works include Industry Brass Mural, etc.

National Artists: Fashion Design

• Ramon Valera from Abra contributed to the tradition of excellence and innovation in Philippine terno.

National Artists: Literature - National Capital Region

• Jose Garcia Villa (1973) is considered one of the finest contemporary poets.
• Villa introduced reversed consonance rhyme and comma poems.
• Works include Footnote to Youth, Many Voices, Poems by Doveglion, Poems 55, etc.
• Nick Joaquin (1976) is recognized as the most distinguished Filipino writer in English.
• He enriched the English language, coining “Joaquinesque”.
• Among his works are The Woman Who Had Two Navels, Portrait of the Artist as Filipino, Manila, My Manila, etc.
• Francisco Arcellana (1990) pioneered the short story in lyrical prose-poetic form.
• For Arcellana, fiction renders truth, presenting reality.
• Published books include Selected Stories (1962), Poetry and Politics, and The Francisco Arcellana Sampler (1990).
• Levi Celerio (1997) was a prolific lyricist and composer.
• He made it to the Guinness Book of World Records for making music using just a leaf.
• Rolando S. Tinio (1997) was a playwright, thespian, poet, teacher, and translator.
• He marked his career with prolific artistic productions.
• In the mid-1960s, he wrote in Tagalog, producing "Bagay," and invented "Taglish" in poetry, beyond Tagalog poetry collections.
• Alejandro Roces (2003) is considered the country's best comic short story writer.
• He championed Filipino culture, popularizing local fiestas (Moriones, Ati-atihan) and led the shift of Independence Day to June 12 with the use of Filipino in passports and currency.
• Cirilo F. Bautista (2014) is a multi-awarded poet, fictionist, and essayist.
• He founded the Philippine Literary Arts Council (1981), Iligan National Writers Workshop (1993), and the Baguio Writers Group, holding funded/unfunded workshops.
• Major works include Summer Suns (1963), Words and Battlefields (1998), The Trilogy of Saint Lazarus (2001), and Galaw ng Asoge (2003).

National Artists: Literature - Regions

• Francisco Sionil Jose (2001) is widely read, depicting class struggles and colonialism in novels/stories.
• He is a publisher, lecturer, and PEN's Philippine chapter founder.
• He received the CCP Centennial Honors (1999), Outstanding Fulbrighters Award (1988), and Ramon Magsaysay Award (1980).
• Edith L. Tiempo (1999) is a poet, fictionist, teacher, and critic, whose works fuse style and substance with verbal transfigurations.
• She founded the Silliman National Writers Workshop.
• Published works include A Blade of Fern (1978), The Native Coast (1979), The Alien Corn (1992), The Tracks of Babylon etc.
• Amado V. Hernandez (1973) from Hagonoy, Bulacan, was a poet, playwright, and novelist who used colloquial Tagalog prose to act as society's conscience.
• He also wrote "Mga Ibong Mandaragit", Bayang Malaya, Isang Dipang Langit, Luha ng Buwaya, and more.
• Carlos P. Romulo (1982) from Camiling, Tarlac, was the first Asian president of the UN General Assembly, Ambassador to Washington D.C., and minister of foreign affairs.
• A reporter at 16, newspaper editor by 20, and publisher at 32, he won a Pulitzer Prize, and held 82 honorary degrees.
• Virgilio S. Almario (2003) from San Miguel, Bulacan, is the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino chairman.
• His first literary criticism, “Ang Makata sa Panahon ng Makina,” is the first Filipino book of literary criticism.
• Lazaro Francisco (2009) gained recognition as the "Master of the Tagalog Novel," revealing tenancy system exploitation.
• His masterpiece novels include Ama, Bayang Napatiwakal, Maganda Pa Ang Daigdig, and Daluyong.
• Bienvenido Lumbera (2006) introduced Bagay poetry to Tagalog literature.
• As a librettist/scholar, he pioneered fine arts and popular imagination fusion through books like Tagalog Poetry, Revaluation: Essays on Philippine Literature etc.
• Nestor Vicente Madali Gonzalez (1997) was a fictionist, essayist, poet, and teacher, earning awards including the First Commonwealth Literary Contest (1940), Republic Cultural Heritage Award (1960), and Gawad CCP Para sa Sining (1990).
• Major works include The Winds of April, Seven Hills Away, Children of the Ash-Covered Loam and Other Stories etc.

National Artists: Historical Literature and Dance

• Carlos Quirino (1997) created historical literature as a National Artist Awards category.
• He wrote “The Great Malayan,” some articles and books spanning Philippine history, he also wrote "Maps and Views of Old Manila,” Quezon, Man of Destiny, and more.
• Alice Reyes (2014) had a lasting impact on contemporary dance, developing a Filipino modern dance idiom using indigenous and Filipino materials.
• Francisca Reyes Aquino (1973), known as the “Mother of Philippine Folk Dancing” she researched unrecorded local celebrations and sports.
  • She published a 1926 thesis titled "Philippine Folk Dances and Games" and served as supervisor of physical education at the Bureau of Education, promoting awareness of cultural heritage.
  • Her books include Philippine National Dances (1946), Gymnastics for Girls (1947) and more.
• Ramon Obusan (2006) was a dancer, choreographer, stage designer, artistic director, archivist, researcher, and documentary filmmaker.
  • Obusan promoted Philippine traditional dance and culture.
  • Through the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group (ROFG), he effected cultural and diplomatic exchanges.
  • choreographed "Vamos a Belen! Series,” “Noon Po sa Amin,” etc.
• Lucrecia Reyes-Urtula (1988) spent four decades discovering and studying Philippine folk and ethnic dances.
  • She became the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company's director, choreographing mountain dances, Muslim pageants, Spanish-influenced dances, and regional/countryside variations and dances.
• Among dances staged Singkil, Vinta, Tagabili, Pagdiwata, Salidsid, Idaw Banga, and Aires de Verbena.
• Leonor Orosa-Goquingco (1976) from Jolo, Sulu, was dubbed “Trailblaizer,” “Mother of Philippine Theater Dance,” and “Dean of Filipino Performing Arts Critics.”
• She produced choreographies such as TREND: Return to Native, VINTA! etc.

National Artists: Music

• Antonio J. Molina (1973) introduced innovations like the whole tone and pentatonic scales.
• He also had exuberance of dominant ninths/eleventh chords and linear counterpoints.
• His composition, Hating Gabi, and works are Misa Antoniana Grand Festival Mass, Ang Batingaw, Kung sa Iyong Gunita, and more.
• Honorata “Atang” de la Rama (1987) believes “the sarswela and the kundiman expresses the Filipino soul.”
• She started as a star at age 7 and starred in "Dalagang Bukid" at 15.
• Jose Maceda (1997), a composer, musicologist, teacher, and performer, wrote papers enlightening scholars on Philippine traditional/ethnic music, freeing Filipino expression from the European view.
• His compositions are “Ugma-ugma,” “Udlot-uldot" and other works include Agungan, Kubing, Pagsamba, Ugnayan.
• Andrea Veneracion (1999) is known for choirmaster achievements who founded the Philippine Madrigal Singers and developed choral music.
• Ramon Santos (2014) is the country's foremost exponent of contemporary Filipino music.
• He is known for taking basis non-Western traditions in Philippine and Southeast Asia music.
• Lucrecia Roces Kasilag (1989) helped develop Philippine music and culture.
• Her pioneering discovery of Filipino roots through ethnic music and fusing it with Western influences has led Filipino composers to experiment.
• Her orchestral music include Love Songs, Legend of the Sarimanok, Ang Pamana, and chamber music like Awit ng mga Awit Psalms etc.
• Antonio R. Buenaventura (1988) from Baliuag, Bulacan, vigorously pursued music that spanned seven decades.
• In 1935, he joined Francisca Reyes Aquino to study folksongs and dances for its popularization.
• He has written"Triumphal March,” “Echoes of the Past," "History Fantasy,” etc.
• Felipe Padilla de Leon (1997) Filipinized western music forms.
• He had sonatas, marches, and concertos express Filipino sentiments in strife and peace.
• Ernani J. Cuenco (1999) works elevated Filipino music, adding kundiman elements to ballads.
• Played with Filipino Youth Symphony Orchestra and Manila Symphony.
• Lucio D. San Pedro (1991)'s work with town bands contributed to Filipinos' civic culture.
• Popular for "Sa Ugoy ng Duyan," made with Levi Celerio, and "Lahing Kayumanggi.”
• Francisco Feliciano (2014) brought awareness to Asian culture.
• His works elevated Filipino artistry, and they include “Ashen Wings,” “Sikhay sa Kabila ng Paalam,” “La Loba Negra,” etc.
• Jovita Fuentes (1976) was best known for her portrayal of Cio-cio San in Giacomo Puccini's Madame Butterfly in Italy.

National Artists: Film

• Gerardo De Leon (1982) produced classics such as “Daigdig ng Mga Api,” “El Filibusterismo,” “Dyesebel,” and "Sisa."
• Ishmael Bernal (2001) was hailed as “the genius of Philippine cinema,” and films served as social commentary and social reflections.
• His notable films are “Pahiram ng Isang Umaga” (1989), “Broken Marriage" (1983), “Himala” (1982), “City After Dark” (1980), and “Nunal sa Tubig" (1976).
• Ronald Allan K. Poe (2006), popularly known as Fernando Poe, Jr., was known for playing a cinema artist.
• Lino Brocka (1997) is one of the most influential filmmakers.
• He directed “Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (1974),” “Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag (1975),” “Insiang (1976),” etc.
• Manuel Conde (2009) produced and directed films based on Filipino tales.
• He also did “Genghis Khan” and “Sigfredo.”
• Lamberto V. Avellana (1976) was known as “The Boy Wonder of Philippine Movies.”
• His film "Sakay,” was declared best picture of 1938.
• He produced “Sergeant Hassan (1967),” “Destination Vietnam (1969),” and “The Evil Within (1970).”
• Eddie Romero (2003) is one of the finest in cinema who dived into history and politics.
• Works include “Ganito Kami Noon... Paano Kayo Ngayon?,” "Aguila," "Kamakalawa,” etc.

National Artists: Theater

• Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero (1997) served as the director of UP Dramatic Club and founded the UP Mobile Theater
• He wrote "Half an Hour in a Convent,” “Wanted: A Chaperon,” “Forever, Condemned,” etc.
• Salvador F. Bernal (2003) was the guru of contemporary Filipino theater design,” designing over 300 productions using local materials.
• He organized Philippine Association of Theater Designers and Technicians (PATDAT).
• Severino Montano (2001) institutionalized “legitimate theater” and established a graduate program at the Philippine Normal College.
• Daisy Avellana elevated legitimate theater, encouraging the professionalization of Filipino theater.
  • She co-founded the Barangay Theater Guild with her husband.
  • She starred in plays like “Othello (1953),” “Macbeth in Black (1959),” “Casa de Bernarda Alba (1967),” and “Tatarin.”