Order of National Artists: Recognition & Criteria

The Order of National Artists

• Established under Proclamation No. 1001, s. 1972
• Highest national recognition for Filipinos with significant contributions to Philippine arts
• The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) administers the award
• The President of the Philippines grants the award every three years based on the recommendation of both institutions

Objectives

• To recognize Filipino artists with significant contributions to the country's cultural heritage
• To recognize Filipino artistic accomplishment promoting creative expression for national identity development
• To recognize Filipino artists dedicated to forging new artistic paths for future generations

Selection Criteria

• Living artists must be natural-born Filipino citizens at the time of nomination
• Filipinos who died after 1972 but were Filipino citizens at the time of death are considered
• Filipinos with dual citizenship are eligible if they have had that status for at least five years
• Artists must contribute to building a Filipino sense of nationhood
• Artists must pioneer modes of creative expression, earning distinction and impacting future generations
• Artists must have created a significant body of work and/or consistently displayed excellence, enriching artistic expression
• Artists must receive broad acceptance through prestigious recognition, critical acclaim, and respect from peers

Honors and Privileges

• Conferment of the rank and title of National Artist by the President of the Philippines
• Award of a gold-plated medallion minted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and a citation
• Lifetime benefits comparable to those of the highest officers, including:
  • A minimum cash award of P200,000.00 (net of taxes) for living awardees
  • A minimum cash award of P150,000.00 (net of taxes) for posthumous awardees, payable to legal heirs
  • A minimum lifetime personal monthly stipend of P30,000.00
  • Privileges became effectively available from January 1, 2013
  • Life insurance coverage for awardees who remain insurable
  • State funeral benefits not exceeding P500,000.00

National Artists in Architecture

• Pablo S. Antonio (1976)
  • Born in Binondo, Manila
  • Pioneer of modern Philippine architecture emphasizing function, natural light, and cross-ventilation
  • Key works: 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)
  • Born in Quiapo, Manila, known as the "Dean of Filipino Architects"
  • He advocated architecture reflective of Philippine traditions and culture
  • His key 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)
  • Born in Malabon, Manila, recognized as the "Father of Philippine Landscape Architecture"
  • Works: Tagaytay Highland resort, Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa, Batangas, and Orchard Gold and Country Club in Imus, Cavite
• Jose Maria V. Zaragoza (2014)
  • From Guagua, Pampanga
  • Known for modern ecclesiastical architecture
  • Major works include Meralco Building, Philbanking Building, Sto. Domingo Church and Convent, Metropolitan Cathedral of Cebu City, Villa San Miguel Church in Mandaluyong
• Leandro V. Locsin (1990)
  • Born in Silay, Negros Occidental
  • Believed true Philippine architecture harmonizes oriental and occidental cultures
  • Known for floating volume themes, duality of light and heavy in architecture
  • Largest work is the Istana Nurul Iman, palace of the Sultan of Brunei and designed CCP Complex buildings

National Artists in Visual Arts

• Fernando Amorsolo (1972)
  • Born in Paco, Manila, the "Grand Old Man of Philippine Art"
  • First National Artist in the Philippines
  • Trademark was the backlighting technique
  • Notable works: 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)
  • A "Neo-Realist" refining cubism in the Philippine context
  • Used geometric fragmentation and juxtaposed the mythical/modern with intensity
  • Key works: 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)
  • Self-taught painter from Sta. Cruz, Manila, depicting Philippine landscape with bold colors
  • Played a role in sustaining the Philippine Art Gallery
  • Noted masterpiece: Genesis, the basis of CCP Main Theater's design
  • Significant works: 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, professionalizing art galleries
  • Significant paintings: 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 is Black and White in the CCP lobby
  • Stainless steel cube sculpture is located outside the Benguet Mining Corporation Building in Pasig
• Jose T. Joya (2003)
  • Pioneered abstract expressionism in the Philippines
  • Created a Filipino abstract idiom

Other Visual Artists

• Benedicto Cabrera (2006)
  • From Malabon, best-selling painter of his generation
  • Known for the "Sabel" scavenger figure
• Federico Aguilar Alcuaz (2009)
  • Painter and sculptor from Sta. Cruz, Manila known for gestural acrylic and oil paintings
  • Studied at the Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid
• Francisco Coching (2014)
  • Born in Buting, Pasig, known as the "King of Komiks" and "Dean of Filipino Illustrators;" formed comics
• Victorio Edades (1976)
  • From Barrio Bolosan, Dagupan, Pangasinan: "Father of Modern Philippine Painting"
  • Colors were dark and somber, depicting laborers and factory workers
  • 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)
  • Born in Malolos, Bulacan, "Father of Philippine Arts," Bonifacio Monument and UP Oblation
• Vicente Manansala (1981)
  • Cubist painter and illustrator from Macabebe, Pampanga; "visions of reality teetering on the edge of abstraction"
  • Works: 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, Nude
• Carlos "Botong" Francisco (1973)
  • From Angono, revived mural art; known for historical pieces
  • Works include Portrait of Purita, The Invasion of Limahong, Serenade, Muslim Betrothal, Blood Compact, First Mass at Limasawa, The Martyrdom of Rizal, Bayanihan, Magpupukot, Fiesta, Bayanihan sa Bukid, and Sandugo
• J. Elizalde Navarro (1999)
  • From Antique, painter and sculptor
  • Mixed media works include I'm Sorry Jesus, I Can't Attend Christmas This Year (1965), and his Homage to Dodjie Laurel (1969: Ateneo Art Gallery collection), and A Flying Contraption for Mr. Icarus (1984: Lopez Museum
• Napoleon Abueva (1976)
  • From Bohol, youngest awardee, "Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture"
  • Works include Kaganapan (1953), Kiss of Judas (1955), Thirty Pieces of Silver, The Transfiguration (1979), Eternal Garden Memorial Park, UP Gateway (1967), Nine Muses (1994), UP Faculty Center, Sunburst (1994)- Peninsula Manila Hotel, the bronze figure of Teodoro M. Kalaw in front of National Library, and murals in marble at the National Heroes Shrine, Mt. Samat, Bataan
• Ang Kiukok
  • From Davao City, fused cubism, surrealism, and expressionism; subjects included fighting cocks and the crucifixion
  • Works: Geometric Landscape (1969) and Pieta

National Artist for Fashion Design

• Ramon Valera
  • From Abra, contributions and innovations to the Philippine terno.

National Artists in Literature

• Jose Garcia Villa (1973)
  • Introduced reversed consonance rhyme scheme and comma poems
  • Works were collected into books, including: Footnote to Youth, Many Voices, Poems by Doveglion, Poems 55, Poems in Praise of Love: The Best Love Poems of Jose Garcia Villa as Chosen By Himself, Selected Stories, The Portable Villa, The Essential Villa, Mir-i-nisa, Storymasters 3: Selected Stories from Footnote to Youth, 55 Poems: Selected and Translated into Tagalog by Hilario S. Francia
• Nick Joaquin (1976)
  • Distinguished Filipino writer in English
  • "Joaquinesque" describes his Spanish-flavored English
  • Notable works: The Woman Who Had Two Navels, A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino, and Manila, My Manila: A History for the Young
• Francisco Arcellana (1990)
  • Developed the short story as lyrical prose-poetic form
  • Published works include Selected Stories (1962), Poetry and Politics (1977), and The Francisco Arcellana Sampler (1990)
• Levi Celerio (1997)
  • Wrote to traditional melodies: “O Maliwanag Na Buwan” (Iloko), “Ako ay May Singsing (Pampango), “Alibangbang” (Visaya).
  • Lyricist, composer, and Guinness World Record holder for making music with a leaf
• Rolando S. Tinio (1997)
  • Playwright, thespian, poet, teacher, critic, translator, and inventor of "Taglish" in poetry wrote the collection of poems “Bagay.”
  • Works: film scripts for Now and Forever, Gamitin Mo Ako, Bayad Puri and Milagros
• Alejandro Roces (2003)
  • Known for comic short stories popularizing local fiestas; led changing Independence Day to June 12

More National Artist for Literature

• Cirilo F. Bautista (2014)
  • Multi-awarded poet, fictionist, and essayist
  • Works: Summer Suns (1963), Words and Battlefields (1998), The Trilogy of Saint Lazarus (2001), and Galaw ng Asoge (2003)
• Francisco Sionil Jose (2001)
  • Writes of struggles and colonialism and founded PEN
• Edith L. Tiempo (1999)
  • Fused style and substance in poetry, expressing significant experiences
  • Works: A Blade of Fern (1978), The Native Coast (1979), and The Alien Corn (1992)
• Amado V. Hernandez (1973)
  • Used colloquial Tagalog
  • Works include “Mga Ibong Mandaragit"
• Carlos P. Romulo (1982)
  • The first Asian president of the UN General Assembly, ambassador to Washington & Pulitzer Prize recipient
• Virgilio S. Almario (2003)
  • Collected in “Ang Makata sa Panahon ng Makina.”
  • Chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino
• Lazaro Francisco (2009)
  • "Master of the Tagalog Novel.”
  • Wrote masterpiece novels are Ama, Bayang Napatiwakal, Maganda Pa Ang Daigdig, and Daluyong
• Bienvenido Lumbera (2006)
  • Introduced Bagay poetry to Tagalog literature
• Nestor Vicente Madali Gonzalez (1997)
  • Fiction, Poetry and essay

National Artists for Historical Literature

• Carlos Quirino (1997)
  • The first recipient of this awards category
  • Works: “The Great Malayan” and "Maps and Views of Old Manila.”

National Artists in Dance

• Alice Reyes (2014)
  • Modern dance development with Philippine elements
• Francisca Reyes Aquino (1973)
  • "Mother of Philippine Folk Dancing," researched unrecorded forms
  • Wrote Philippine National dances
• Ramon Obusan (2006)
  • Focused on promoting Philippine traditional dance
  • Vamos a Belen Series
• Lucrecia Reyes-Urtula (1988)
  • Collections of mountain dances, Spanish-influenced dances, and regional dances for Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company. Staged Singkil, Vinta, Tagabili
• Leonor Orosa-Goquingco (1976)
  • “Trailblaizer,” “Mother of Philippine Theater Dance”.
  • Original choreographies “Trends: Return to Native.”

National Artists for Music

• Antonio J. Molina (1973)
  • innovations such as the whole tone scale used the composition of Hating Gabi, a serenade.
• Honorata "Atang" de la Rama (1987)
  • “Queen of Kundiman." Started Career as a Star
• Jose Maceda (1997)
  • Compositions like “Ugma-ugma,”
• Andrea Veneracion (1999)
  • Her achievements as choirmaster and choral singer. She
• Ramon Santos (2014)
  • Foremost exponent of contemporary Filipino
• Lucrecia Roces Kasilag (1989)
  • Was in instrumental culture.

More National Artists in Music

• Antonio R. Buenaventura (1988)
  • Marches such as the Triumphal March, History Fantasy
• Felipe Padilla de Leon (1997)

  • Sonatas, marches expressions include the Mariang Makiling

    Overture (1939) Maynila Overture

• Ernani J. Cuenco (1999)

  • brought contemporary Philippine works “Bato sa

     Buhangin,” Gaano Kita Kamahal.”
    

• Lucio D. San Pedro (1991)
  • Lullaby “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan” kayumanggi.”
• Francisco Feliciano (2014)
  • Major His works are, “Ashen (1981).”
• Jovita Fuentes (1976) -Best for performing”.

National Artists of Film

• Gerardo De Leon (1982)

  • Most awarded film director such such as Susa.

• Ishmael Bernal (2001) The Genius of Philippine Tubig.”

• Roland Allan K. Poe (2006) Under dog roles.

• Lino Brocka (1997) Philippine Tinimbang Ka Kulang Liwanag (1975).” -Manuel Conde (2009) Based literature

• Lamberto V. Avellana (1976) He the in The Evil *

National Artists in Theater

• Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero (1997) Plays ways."
• Salvador F. Bernal (2003) Guru of materials design. -Severino Montano (2001) The Normal and designers. -Daisy Avellana elevated by" Walang