The Order of National Artists

WHAT IS A NATIONAL ARTIST?

A National Artist is a Filipino citizen who has been given the rank and title of
National Artist in recognition of his or her significant contributions to the
development of Philippine arts and letters.
The rank and title of National Artist is conferred by means of a Presidential
Proclamation. It recognizes excellence in the fields of Music, Dance, Theater,
Visual Arts, Literature, Film and Broadcast Arts, and Architecture or Allied Arts.

WHAT IS THE ORDER OF NATIONAL ARTISTS?

Those who have been proclaimed National Artists are given a Grand Collar
symbolizing their status. Recipients of this Grand Collar make up the Order of
National Artists. The Order of National Artists (Orden ng Gawad Pambansang
Alagad ng Sining) is thus a rank, a title, and a wearable award that represents
the highest national recognition given to Filipinos who have made distinct
contributions in the field of arts and letters. It is jointly administered by the
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of
the Philippines (CCP), and is conferred by the President of the Philippines upon
recommendation by both institutions.
As one of the Honors of the Philippines, it embodies the nation’s highest ideals in
humanism and aesthetic expression through the distinct achievements of
individual citizens. The Order of National Artists shares similarities with orders,
decorations, and medals of other countries recognizing contributions to their
national culture such as, the U.S. National Medal for the Arts, and the Order of
Culture of Japan.
According to the rules of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, the
Order of National Artists should be conferred every three years.

THE INSIGNIA OF THE ORDER OF NATIONAL ARTISTS

The insignia of the Order of the National Artists is
composed of a Grand Collar featuring circular links
portraying the arts, and an eight-pointed
conventionalized sunburst suspended from a
sampaguita wreath in green and white enamel. The
central badge is a medallion divided into three equal
portions, red, white, and blue, recalling the Philippine
flag, with three stylized letter Ks—the “KKK” stands for
the CCP’s motto: “katotohanan, kabutihan, at
kagandahan” (“the true, the good, and the
beautiful”), as coined by then first lady Mrs. Imelda Romualdez Marcos, the
CCP’s founder. The composition of the Grand Collar is silver gilt bronze. In place
of a rosette there is an enameled pin in the form of the insignia of the order.

WHEN WAS THE ORDER OF NATIONAL ARTISTS CREATED?

It was established by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 1001, s. 1972, which
created the Award and Decoration of National Artist, “to give appropriate
recognition and prestige to Filipinos who have distinguished themselves and
made outstanding contributions to Philippine arts and letters,” and which
posthumously conferred the award on the painter Fernando Amorsolo, who had
died earlier that year.

LEGAL BASIS OF THE ORDER OF NATIONAL ARTISTS

Proclamation No. 1144, s. 1973 named the CCP Board of Trustees as the National
Artist Awards Committee (or Secretariat). Presidential Decree No. 208, s. 1973
reiterated the mandate of the CCP to administer the National Artist Awards as
well as the privileges and honors to National Artists.
Executive Order No. 236 s. 2003, otherwise known as the Honors Code of the
Philippines, conferred additional prestige on the National Artist Award by raising
it to the level of a Cultural Order, fourth in precedence among the orders and
decorations that comprise the Honors of the Philippines, and equal in rank to the
Order of National Scientists and the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan. The
National Artist Award was thereby renamed the Order of National Artists (Orden
ng mga Pambansang Alagad ng Sining). This reflected the consensus among
government cultural agencies and the artistic community that the highest
possible international prestige and recognition should be given our National
Artists. Section 5 of EO 236 stated the President may confer the Order of National
Artists “upon the recommendation of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and
the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).”
Executive Order No. 435, s. 2005 amended Section 5 (IV) of EO 236, giving the
President the power to name National Artists without need of a
recommendation, relegating the NCCA and the CCP to mere advisory bodies
that may or may not be heeded. This expanded President Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo’s flexibility to proclaim National Artists at her discretion, which led to the
controversy of 2009 and the subsequent intervention of the Supreme Court by
issuing a status quo ante order against the awardees that year.
In May 2009, four recommendations were sent to President Arroyo by the
Secretariat. President Arroyo issued proclamations on July 2009 for three,
excluding for one nominee, Ramon P. Santos.
In addition, President Arroyo issued proclamations for four individuals who were
not recommended, namely, Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, Francisco T. Mañosa,
Magno Jose J. Caparas, and Jose “Pitoy” Moreno. These four artists have not
been vetted and deliberated upon by the Secretariat.
As a result, the majority of living national artists (Almario, Lumbera, et. al.) filed a
petition questioning President Arroyo’s abuse of her discretion by proclaiming as
national artists individuals (Guidote-Alvarez, Caparas, Mañosa, and Moreno)
who have not gone through the rigorous screening and selection process of the
NCCA and the CCP.
In July 2013, the Supreme Court, in the case of Almario vs the Executive
Secretary (GR No. 189028, July 16, 2013), invalidated President Arroyo’s
proclamations of four national artists. It decided that, as the source of all honors,
the President has the discretion to reject or approve nominees. However, the
President does not have the discretion to amend the list by adding names that
did not go through the NCCA-CCP process. The discretion is confined to the
names submitted by the NCCA and CCP.
From 2009 until 2011, in the absence of any resolution by the Supreme Court, the
Secretariat had the impression that they may not process any future
nominations. The Order of the National Artists is supposed to be proclaimed
every three years.
When the Secretariat consulted the Office of the Solicitor General, clarification
was provided. The Supreme Court’s status quo ante order only applied to the
batch of 2009 nominees. Therefore, upon the advice of the Solicitor General, the
Secretariat decided to once more proceed with the process.

PROCESS OF NOMINATION AND CONFERMENT OF THE ORDER

CRITERIA FOR THE ORDER OF NATIONAL ARTISTS

1. Living artists who are Filipino citizens at the time of nomination, as well as those
who died after the establishment of the award in 1972 but were Filipino citizens
at the time of their death;
2. Artists who, through the content and form of their works, have contributed in
building a Filipino sense of nationhood;
3. Artists who have pioneered in a mode of creative expression or style, thus
earning distinction and making an impact on succeeding generations of artists;
4. Artists who have created a substantial and significant body of work and/or
consistently displayed excellence in the practice of their art form thus enriching
artistic expression or style; and
5. Artists who enjoy broad acceptance through:
• prestigious national and/or international recognition, such as the Gawad CCP
Para sa Sining, CCP Thirteen Artists Award and NCCA Alab ng Haraya;
• critical acclaim and/or reviews of their works;
• respect and esteem from peers.

Those submitting nominations for National Artist must submit the following:
• A cover letter from the nominating organization. The cover letter shall be
accompanied by a Board Resolution approving the nomination concerned with
the said resolution signed by the organization President and duly certified by the
Board Secretary.
• A duly accomplished nomination form;
• A detailed curriculum vitae of the nominee;
• A list of the nominee’s significant works categorized according to the criteria;
• The latest photograph (color or black and white) of the nominee, either 5″ x 7″
or 8″ x 11″;
• Pertinent information materials on the nominee’s significant works (on CDs,
VCDs and DVDs);
• Copies of published reviews; and
• Any other document that may be required.
To the following addresses:
The NATIONAL ARTIST AWARD SECRETARIAT Office of the Artistic Director Cultural
Center of the Philippines Roxas Boulevard, 1300 Pasay City
The NATIONAL ARTIST AWARD SECRETARIAT Office of the Deputy Executive
Director National Commission for Culture and the Arts 633 General Luna Street,
Intramuros, Manila

A member of the Order of National Artists are granted the following honors and
privileges:
1. The rank and title of National Artist, as proclaimed by the President of the
Philippines;
2. The insignia of a National Artist and a citation;
3. A lifetime emolument and material and physical benefits comparable in
value to those received by the highest officers of the land such as:
a. a cash award of One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00) net of taxes, for
living awardees;
b. a cash award of Seventy Five Thousand Pesos (P75,000.00) net of taxes, for
posthumous awardees, payable to legal heir/s;
c. a monthly life pension, medical and hospitalization benefits;
d. life insurance coverage for Awardees who are still insurable;
e. a state funeral and burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani;
f. a place of honor, in line with protocular precedence, at national state
functions, and recognition at cultural events.

PORTRAIT OF THE NATIONAL ARTIST AS A MUSICIAN

1989 National Artist for music Lucrecia R. Kasilag (1918-2008)

The pinnacle of artistic achievement in the Philippines is when you are named a
National Artist. This is the reward given to the best and brightest of the nation’s
artists—those who have truly given their lives to their art across decades and, in
so doing, have kept our arts dynamic and true to the soul of our people.

In the field of music, students get to know the lives and works of our National
Artists for Music through subjects taught to them.

From grades 7 to to 12, music education requires learning the elements of music
across topics as diverse as Philippine Music, Asian Music, Western Classical
Music, Popular Music and the Contemporary Philippine Music. Even the senior
high school curriculum has subject called Contemporary Philippine Arts from the
Regions in the Philippines that contains information about our National Artists.
According to the Department of Education’s K to 12 material Horizons Grade 10
Learner’s Materials – Music and Arts Appreciation for Young Filipinos,
“contemporary music in the Philippines refers to compositions that have
adopted ideas and elements from 20th century art music in the west, as well as
the latest trends and musical styles in the entertainment industry.”
From the early 1500s to the late 1800s, Spain, then America, colonized the
Philippines—we like to call it three centuries in the convent and half a century in
Hollywood. It was inevitable that Western compositional styles found their way
into the works of Filipino musicians. Cultural cross-pollination is to be expected in
these situations.
Even 20th century Filipino composers have incorporated some traditional
elements in their integration of Western styles. In fact, they have developed the
concrete fundamentals of what we now recognize as Philippine music.
The National Artists for Music among the 20th century traditional composers
include Antonio J. Molina, Antonio Buenaventura, Lucio San Pedro and Felipe
Padilla de Leon. That does not make their music any less Filipino—especially
when you see that Filipinos are a melting pot of cultures and genetics that
include Spanish, American, Indon, Malay and Chinese, as well as indigenous
heritages.

NATIONAL ARTISTS FOR MUSIC

1997 National Artist for Music Jose Maceda (1917-2004)
The National Artists for Music who are among the New Music Composers include
Lucrecia Kasilag, Jose Maceda, Ramon Santos and Francisco Feliciano. Their
experimental new music has retained the Filipino essence by integrating the
traditional music practices as well as the indigenous rhythm and indigenous
musical instruments in their artistic works.
The National Artists for Music among the 20th century song composers and
lyricists are Levi Celerio and Ernani Cuenco. They fashioned unforgettable artistic
styles of traditional Filipino love songs, music for the cinemas and materials for
modern arrangements and concert performance. Oh, and Celerio composed
and played music with leaves. Let that sink in for a while.
Filipinos study the lives and works of National Artists and, in the case of National
Artists for Music, practice their well-known works and musical styles. Here are
brief notes on the 13 National Artists for Music:
Antonio J. Molina (1894 – 1980), a music educator and 20thcentury traditional
composer. He was the first National Artist for Music, date conferred in 1973. His
sample works were Misa Antoniana Grand Festival Mass and Ang Batingaw.
Jovita Fuentes (1895-1978), a broadway singer, date conferred in 1976. She sang
the roles of Liu Yu in Puccini’s Turnadot and Mimi in Puccini’s La Boheme.
Honorata “Atang” dela Rama (1902-1991), a kundiman singer who was named
National Artist for Music and Theater in 1987. Her sample works are Dalagang
Bukid and Pangarap ni Rosa.
Antonio Buenaventura (1904-1996), a 20th century traditional composer and
conductor who was named National Artist for Music in 1988. His sample works
are the Triumphal March and Echoes of the Past.
Lucrecia R. Kasilag (1918-2008), a music educator and new music composer
who was named National Artist for Music 1989. Her sample works are Toccata for
Percussions of Winds, Divertissement and Concertante—works that integrate
indigenous Filipino musical instruments into their composition.
Lucio San Pedro (1913-1996), a 20th century traditional composer and
conductorwho was named National Artist in 1991. His sample works are The
Devil’s Bridge and the Malakas at Maganda Overture.
Felipe Padilla de Leon (1912-1992), a 20th century traditional composer, who
was named National Artist for Music posthumously in 1997. His sample works
are Mariang Makiling Overture and Roca Encantada.

1997 National Artist for Music and Literature Levi Celerio (1910-2002)
Levi Celerio (1910-2002), a prolific lyricist and 20th century song composer who
was named National Artist for Music and Literature in 1997. His sample works
are O Maliwanag na Buwan (Iloko), Ako ay May Singsing (Pampango)
and Alibangbang (Visayan). He is notable as the only person to make music
using just a leaf, a feat recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Jose Maceda (1917-2004), a new music composer, became National Artist for
Music in 1997. His sample work was Ugma-ugma and Pagsamba.
Ernani J. Cuenco (1936-1988), a 20th century song composer who was named
National Artist for Music posthumously in 1999. His sample works are Nahan, Kahit
na Magtiis and Diligin Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa.
Andrea Veneracion (1928-2013), a choirmaster who received National Artist
honors in 1999. She directed the the Madrigal Singers and taught them to sing in
their signature semi-circle arrangement.
Francisco Feliciano (1917-2014) a new music composer, date conferred in 2014.
His sample works are Ashen Wings and Sikhay sa Kabila ng Paalam.

2014 National Artist for Music Ramon P. Santos

Ramon P. Santos (born 1941), a new music composer who was named National
Artist for Music in 2014. His sample work is Pangahoy and L’Bad.
Our National Artists for Music have contributed greatly to a contemporary
Filipino repertoire in which musical pieces were been written in 20thcentury
stylistic expressions. They developed such musical movements as impressionism,
expressionism, neo-classicism, avant garde and new music and made these of
works very strong expressions of the Filipino soul.

HIGHEST HONOR CRITERIA

The National Artist award is the highest national honor for excellence in the fields
of the music, dance, theater, architecture, visual arts, literature, film, design, and
allied arts (like fashion design, historical literature, and cinema). This honor is
bestowed by the President of the Philippines upon the recommendations of the
National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the
Philippines (CCP). The National Artist award was created through the
Presidential Proclamation No. 1001, signed by then President Ferdinand E.
Marcos on April 27, 1972.
The first Filipino to be named National Artist was poet, playwright and
former Philippines Graphiceditor-in-chief Nick Joaquin—and his award was
given with no specific art attached to the title—Joaquin was simply named
“National Artist.”
From the time when the National Artist awards were created in 1972, 66 Filipino
artists have been acknowledged. Only nine are still alive. After Joaquin, painter
Fernando Amorsolo was named National Artist in 1972. He was named the
“Grand Old Man of the Philippines Art.” The most number of recognized
National Artists worked in the fields of Visual Arts, Literature and Music.
National Artist nominees must have Filipino citizenship. They must have
accomplished contributions of distinction in the practice of their art forms, work
that has built the awareness of the Filipino audience. The nominees must also
have received prestigious awards internationally, and locally, for their artistic
style or expression. The nominee must also be known for excellence in their
pioneering styles and distinctive works—excellence that has influenced and
continues to influence artists in their fields.

PROCESS
The National Artist Award Secretariat issued its call for nominations on June 7,
2017 for the 2018 Order of National Artists. The deadline for the submission of
nominations was Sept. 30, 2017.
There will be three rounds of deliberations, a tedious process. The first
deliberation brings together experts from the different art fields who will prepare
a short-list of nominees, as well as gather the information and data they need to
study the work of each nominee.
The second deliberation involves having the National Artist Award Panel of
Experts and Jury of Experts, as well as the National Artists who are still alive
among the panel members who will screen, deliberate and decide on the final
list of nominees.
The third deliberation is be done by the Board of Trustees of the CPP, the
Commissioners of the NCAA, and the living National Artists who will narrow the
short-lists into a final lis.
This final list is submitted to the President of the Philippines, who makes the final
selection and issues a Presidential Proclamation naming the new National Artists
of the Philippines. This announcement from the Office of the President is
expected to come out on June 11.

BENEFITS
There are benefits besides the prestige of the rank and title of National Artist, as
proclaimed by the President. The insignia of the Order of National Artists and a
citation with a gold-plated medallion minted by the Banco Sentral ng Pilipinas is
one benefit.
The National Artist awardee is provided with a lifetime emolument of material
and physical benefits comparable in value to those of the highest government
officials: Living awardees will receive a cash award of P100,000, net of taxes. The
legal heirs of posthumous awardees will receive acash award of P75,000, net of
taxes.
The National Artist receives a monthly pension for life, as well as medical and
hospitalization support. If the awardee is still insurable, life insurance coverage is
provided to him or her.
National Artists always have a place of honor, in line with the protocol of
precedence, at state functions, and are given due recognition at cultural
events they attend.
At his or her demise, the National Artist is given a state funeral, and burial at
the Libingan ng mga Bayani. The devotion of their lives to excellence in their
chosen art, after all, is heroism at its peacetime finest.