N a t i o n a l A r t i s t

o f t h e
Ph i l i p p i n e s
By its definition, a National Artist is a Filipino who
has made a significant contribution to the
development of Philippine arts in the fields of
Music, Dance, Theater, Visual Arts, Literature, Film
and Architecture. A Filipino individual who should
have been awarded the highest national recognition
for the arts namely, National Artist Award. In
Filipino context, it is also known as the Gawad
Pambansang Alagad ng Sining.
Dr. Nicanor Tiongson said that, there is an important
role played by contemporary artists in making art
that will contribute to social change by informing the
viewers and audiences about the nature and causes of
the adversities they face as Filpinos.
It was said that with this enlightenment, it gives that
artists responsibility in their craft. Dr. Tionson also
challenges the artist to create art that has a social
and political relevance. This kind of art will
contribute to an awareness of present realities and
conditions of society.
 The Philippines value many significant Filipino
artist who have a prominent contribution to the
promotion and preservation of our cultural
heritage. They have made a notable contribution
in their own field of expertise, obtaining them the
Order of National Artist. Categories for the Order
of National Artist are, Music, Dance, Theater,
Visual Arts, Literature, film and Broadcast Arts
and Architecture or Allied Art.
 ORDER OF NATIONAL
ARTIST
The Order of the National Artists Award (Orden ng
Gawad Pambansang Alagad ng Sining) is the highest
national recognition given to Filipino individuals who
have made significant contributions to the development
of Philippine arts. The order is concurrent administered
by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts
(NCCA) and Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)
and conferred by the President of the Philippines upon
recommendation by both institutions.
 The award is one of the Honors conferred by the
Republic of the Philippines that represents the
nation's highest ideals in the humanities and
aesthetic expression through the recognizable
achievements of Individual citizens. The said
achievements are measured in terms of their vision,
unusual insight, creativity and imagination,
technical proficiency of the highest order in
expressing Filipino culture and traditions, history,
way of life, and aspirations.
 Under the Proclamation No. 1001 dated April 27, 1072 the
Order of the National Artist Award (Orden ng Gawad
Pambansang Alagad ng Sining was established. It gives an
appropriate recognition and prestige to Filipinos who have
acclaimed themselves and made a remarkable contribution to
Philippine arts and letters. The first award was given to
Fernando Amorsolo. On May 15, 1973 under the Proclamation
No. 1144, CCP Board of Trustees was named as the National
Artist Awards Committee. The Presidential Decree No.28 that
was issued on June 7, 1973 reiterated the mandate of CCP to
administer the National Awards as well as the privileges and
honors to National Artist.
 The Order of National Artists aims to recognize:

[Link] Filipino artists who have made significant contributions to

the cultural heritage of the country.
2 The Filipino artistic acomplishment at its highest level and to
promote creative expression as significant to the development of a
national cultural identity.
[Link] Filipino artists who have dedicated their lives to their
works to forge new paths and direction for future generations
artist.
 THE FF. ARE THE SEVEN CATEGORIS UNDER
WHICH NATIONAL ARTIST CAN BE
RECOGNIZED;
1. LITERATURE - poetry, fiction, essay, playwriting, journalism
and/or literary criticism;

2. FILM AND BROADCASTING/BROADCAST ART-direction,

writing, production design, cinematography, editing.

3. ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN AND ALLIED ARTS- architecture

design, interior design, industrial arts design,
4. MUSIC-singing, composition, direction, and/or performance;

5. DANCE- choreography, direction and/or performance;

6. THEATER- direction, performance and/or production design;

VISUAL ARTS-painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography,

7. installation art, mixed media works,illustration, graphic arts,
performance art and/or imaging;
 Qualifications for the National Artist Award
The qualifications for a Filipino to be nominated and selected are rigorous.
Below are the qualifications for the National Artist Award.

1. Living artists who are natural-born Filipino citizens.

2. The content and form of their work have procured in building a
Filipino sense of nationhood
3. An artist who have developed a mode of creative expression or style and
living a legend on succeeding generations of artists.

4. An artist who manifest excellence in the practice of their art form

5. The artwork made has attained an international and national recognition

 Insignia of the Order of the National Artists
The insignia of the Order of the National Artists is formed from a
Grand Collar featuring circular links depicting the arts and an eight-
pointed sunburst suspended from a sampaguita wreath in green and
white enamel. The center of the badge is divided into three equal
portions, in red, white and blue representing the Philippine Flag with
three stylized letter K's that stands for the CCP's motto "Katotohanan,
Kabutihan at Kagandahan ( The true, the good and the beautiful). The
Grand Collar is made from silver gilt bronze
National Artists of the Philippines
 Architecture
Juan Felipe de Jesús 1973
1973 Juan Nakpil Nakpil, KGCR, KSS known as Juan Nakpil, was a Filipino architect, teacher and a
community leader. In 1973, he was named one of the National Artists for architecture.
He was regarded as the Dean of Filipino Architects

Pablo Sebero Antonio, Sr. was a Filipino architect. A pioneer of modern

1976 Pablo Antonio Philippine architecture, he was recognized in some quarters as the foremost Filipino
modernist architect of his time. The rank and title of National Artist of the Philippines
was conferred on him by President Ferdinand Marcos in 1976.

Leandro Valencia Locsin also known by the initials LVL and the nickname "Lindy", was a Filipino architect,
1990 Leondra V. Locsin artist, and interior designer known for his use of concrete, floating volume and simplistic design in his various
projects. An avid collector, he was fond of modern painting and Chinese ceramics. He was proclaimed a
National Artist of the Philippines for Architecture in 1990 by the late President Corazon C. Aquino.
 Antonio's major works
ONE OF NAKPIL 's including Far Eastern
WORK IS University Administration
MAGSAYSAY BUILDING and Science buildings
 Ramón Valera (August 31, 1912 – May 25, 1972 ) was a Filipino fashion designer who
was bestowed with the National Artist of the Philippines honor in 2006. He is the first
2006 Ramon Filipino fashion designer to receive this distinction. In 2017, his work was displayed in
Valera an exhibit called Valera and the Modern: An Exhibit on the Life and Work of National
Artist for Fashion Design,

2014 Jose Maria José María V. Zaragoza’s place in Philippine architecture history is defined by a
Zaragoza significant body of modern edifices that address spiritual and secular requirements.

defonso Paez Santos Jr. (September 5, 1929 – January 29, 2014), popularly known simply as "IP
2006 IP Santos", was a Filipino architect who was known for being the "Father of Philippine Landscape
Architecture." He was recognized as a National Artist of the Philippines in the field of Architecture in
Santos
2006.
Zaragoza was involved in
Among the locations that
designing several
comprise IP Santos' body
religious buildings such as
of work are the
The Our Lady of the Holy
landscaping of:
Rosary in Tala, Caloocan
Cultural Center of the
completed in 1950
Philippines Complex.
 Dance Film
1982 Gerardo de Leon
1973 Francisca Reyes Aquino

1997 Lino Brocka

1976 Leonor Orosa-Goquingco

2001 Ishmael Bernal

1988 Lucrecia Reyes Urtula

2003 Eddie S. Romero

2006 Ramoin Obusan

2009 Manuel Cond

 LITERATURE
1973 Amado V. 1973 Jose Garcia 1976 Nick Joaquin
Hernadez Villa
Amado Vera Hernandez, was a Filipino José García Villa was a Filipino poet, Nicomedes "Nick" Marquez Joaquin
writer and labor leader who was known literary critic, short story writer, and was a Filipino writer and journalist
for his criticism of social injustices in painter. He was awarded the National best known for his short stories and
the Philippines and was later Artist of the Philippines title for novels in the English language. He
imprisoned for his involvement in the literature in 1973, as well as the also wrote using the pen name
communist movement. He was the Guggenheim Fellowship in creative Quijano de Manila. Joaquin was
writing by Conrad Aiken. conferred the rank and title of
central figure in a landmark legal case
National Artist of the Philippines for
that took 13 years to settle.
Literature.
Wikipedia
 LITERATURE
1982 Calos P. 1990 Francisco 2006 Bienvenido
Romulo Arcellana Lumbera
In 1982 he was named a National Artist Francisco "Franz" Arcellana Bienvenido L. Lumbera (April 11,
for Literature by the Philippine (September 6, 1916 – August 1, 2002) 1932 – September 28, 2021) was a
government. He was also conferred the was a Filipino writer, poet, essayist, Filipino poet, critic and dramatist.[1]
first Bayani ng Republika Award for his critic, journalist and teacher. Lumbera is known for his nationalist
outstanding service to the Filipino nation writing and for his leading role in the
and the rank of Raja of the Order of Filipinization movement in Philippine
Sikatuna, an honor usually reserved for literature in the 1960s, which resulted
heads of state. in his being one of the many writers
and academics jailed during Ferdinand
Marcos' Martial Law regime
 LITERATURE
1997 N.V. M 1997 Carlos Quirino 1999 Edith L.
Gonzales Tiempo
Néstor Vicente Madali González (8 Edith Cutaran Lopez-Tiempo (April In 1999, Edith L. Tiempo became the
September 1915 – 28 November 1999) 22, 1919 – August 21, 2011) was a first female writer to be declared
was a Filipino novelist, short story Filipino poet, fiction writer, teacher National Artist for literature. Her
writer, essayist and, poet. Conferred as and literary critic in the English lifework as a writer and teacher has
the National Artist of the Philippines language.[1] She was conferred the placed an indelible mark on the
for Literature in 1997. National Artist Award for Literature in landscape of Philippine literature in
1999. English
 LITERATURE
2001 F. Sionil Jose 2003 Virgilio 5 2009 Lazaro
Almario Francisco

Francisco Sionil José was a Filipino Virgilio Senadren Almario (born

March 9, 1944), better known by his Lázaro Francisco y Angeles, also
writer who was one of the most widely
pen name Rio Alma, is a Filipino known as Lazaro A. Francisco
read in the English language. A
(February 22, 1898 – June 17, 1980)
National Artist of the Philippines for author, poet, critic, translator, editor,
was a Filipino novelist, essayist and
Literature, which was bestowed upon teacher, and cultural manager.[1] He is
playwright. Francisco was
him in 2001, José's novels and short a National Artist of the Philippines. posthumously named a National Artist
stories depict the social underpinnings of the Philippines for Literature in
of class struggles and colonialism in 2009.
Filipino society. .
 MUSIC
1973 ANTONIO J. MOLINA -Antonio Jesús Naguiat Molina was a Filipino
composer, conductor and music administrator.
1976 JOVIT VITA FLORES FUENTAS -was a Filipina soprano singer. She was known to be
the first Filipina to receive recognition as a National Artist for Music in 1976 and one of the
few Filipinas to receive international acclaim in the European opera scene.

1988 Antonio R. BUENAVENTURA- was a pioneer in the research on Philippine Ethnic and
Folk Music.
1989 Lucrecia R. Kasilag- she was the lone addition to the roster of National Artists.

1991 Lucio D. San Pedro- was a Filipino composer and teacher who was proclaimed a National Artist of the
Philippines for Music in 1991.

1997 Felipe Padilla de Leon-was puthomously conferred by President Fidel V. Ramos the
highest honor a Filipino artist can receive, the National Artist Award for Music.

1997 Jose Maceda- RAMOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by
law, and upon recommendation of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts and pursuant to Proclamation No. 1001, do hereby declare
Jose Maceda as National Artist for 1997.
 MUSIC
1997 Levi Celerio-was a Filipino composer and lyricist who is credited with writing over
4,000 songs. Celerio was recognized as a National Artist of the Philippines for Music and
Literature in 1997.
1999 Ernani Joson Cuenco -Composer, film scorer, musical director and music teacher, Ernani J.
Cuenco was hailed as a National Artist in Music in 1999. His works embody a Filipino sense of
musicality, and the classical sound of the kundiman is evident in some of his ballads.

1999 Andrea O. Veneracion she was named National Artist for Music, the highest
cultural award bestowed by the Philippine government for an individual. -

2014 Francisco Feliciano -Feliciano writes in the Neo-Romantic style, a mixture of atonal and
tonal pitches and materials. The style is highly passionate and contemporary, without
abandonment of melody

2014 Ramon Santos-He was named National Artist for Music in 2014.
 Visual Arts
Fernando C. Amorsolo (1972)0-Known as the country's first National Artist, Amorsolo was
renowned for his craftsmanship and mastery in the use of light

Carlos "Botong" V. Francisco- (1973): A Filipino muralist, Francisco was one of the first
Filipino modernists³
Guillermo E. Tolentino (1973)- A Filipino sculptor, Tolentino was recognized as a
National Artist of the Philippines for Sculpture³
Victorio C. Edades(1976)- Known as the "Father of Modern Philippine Painting", Edades was a
leading member of the pre-war Thirteen Moderns.
Napoleon V. Abueva (1976)- Known as the "Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture", Abueva
was the youngest National Artist awardee
Vicente Manansala (1981)-A Filipino cubist painter and illustrator, Manansala's works include
the Madonna of the Slums and Jeepneys.
Cesar Legaspi (1990)- Known for his distinct style in the Neo-Realist school, Legaspi was
awarded the title of National Artist in 1990
Hernando R. Ocampo(1991)-A self-taught painter, Ocampo was a leading member of the pre-
war Thirteen Modern.
 Visual Arts
Arturo R. Luz (1997)- A painter, sculptor, and designer, Luz created masterpieces that
exemplify an ideal of sublime austerity in expression and form.

J. Elizalde Navarro (1999)- A prominent Filipino painter, illustrator, and sculptor, Navarro was
recognized as a National Artist for Visual Arts in 1999
Ang Kiukok (2001)- A leading figure in Philippine modernist art, Ang Kiukok's works are
characterized by a fusion of Western modernist styles with folk and primitive aesthetics.

Jose T. Joya (2003)- An abstract artist, Joya was a pioneer of abstract expressionism in the
Philippines.
Abdulmari Asia Imao (2006)-The first Moro, and the only one to date, to be honored as National
Artist of the Philippines
Benedicto Cabrera or "Bencab" (2006)- Known for his paintings and prints of Philippine
contemporary figures, his subjects range from the Philippine urban poor to indigenous Filipino
tribes.
Federico Aguilar Alcuaz (2009)- Alcuaz was a well-rounded artist known for his paintings,
sculptures, ceramics, and tapestries.
 THEATER
Honorata "Atang" de la Ram (1987)-Known as the Queen of Kundiman and of the Sarsuela, she was the very first
actress in the very first locally produced Filipino film.

Levi Celerio (1997)-A Filipino composer and lyricist credited with writing over 4,000 songs. He was recognized as a
National Artist of the Philippines for Music and Literature in 1997.

Rolando S. Tinio (1997)- A Filipino poet, dramatist, director, actor, critic, essayist, and educator. He was recognized as
a National Artist of the Philippines for Theater and Literature.

Wilfrido Ma. Guerero (1997)- A playwright, director, actor, and theater organizer who institutionalized “legitimate
theater” in the Philippines

Daisy Avellana (1999)- A Filipino stage actress and theater director. She was honored as a National Artist of the
Philippines for Theater and Film in 1999.

Severino Montano (2001)-A playwright, director, actor, and theater organizer who is the forerunner in institutionalizing
“legitimate theater” in the Philippines.
Some works of Filipino National Artist

The works of National Artist can be foun

d in different University Campuses. One example is the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. The
known school symbol is based on Oblation made by the sculptor Guillermo Tolentino.

This work of art depicts a male nude with arms outstretched that represents a gesture of sacrifice and freedom. Guillermo
Tolentino is a pioneer of academic tradition in sculpture like Fernando Amorsolo in Painting. Fernando Amorsola is known
for its romantic paintings of bucolic landscapes and idealized portraits of well-known individuals from the Commonwealth
Period and the Second World War. His works can be seen also at the National Museum Awarded in 1976, Napoleon Abueva
had contributed to the University's Visual Arts Heritage.

In the Virata School of Business, Jose Tanig Joya's mural can be seen entitled Barter of Panay (1978). This work of art is
rendered in the Abstract expressionist style and it consists of soft, overlapping planes of black, white, orange, brown and
golden yellow. The Church of the Holy Sacrifice in UP Diliman which was inaugurated in 1955 was credited to be the
First Catholic Church in the country that were able to employ a circular architecture with a fine thin shell dome.
Intricate mathematical computations with the increasing popularity of concrete that serve as the building material
enabled the smooth rounded church construction. The said church is recognized as a National Historical Landmark as
well as a Cultural Treasure by the National Historical Institute.
Jose Maceda's Pagsamba involved a hundred mixed voices and
indigenous musical instruments like bamboo buzzers, clappers and
the like UP center for Ethnomusicology was also founded by him
where he donated his valuable collections of sound recordings,
field notes and the like in Ethnomusicology in the Philippines and
South East Asia. In line with this, he was recognized by the
UNESCO Memory of the World
Th a n k
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