Highest Honour

With their impactful contributions to their respective fields in the country's art scene, eight iconic Filipino personalities rose to the rank of National Artist this year

- Franz Sorilla IV

Former President Rodrigo Duterte conferred eight new National Artists, recognising the undisputed legacy they have left throughout the years in the shaping of the Filipino nation’s soul—the arts and culture. The living National Artists, representatives of those who were posthumously awarded, as well as their fellow “children” of the arts from various fields, companies and cultural institutions gathered at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ main theatre last June 29 to celebrate this momentous occasion. Filled with heart-warming speeches and performances giving tribute to the latest roster of Philippine art scene icons, the night dazzled with everyone’s love for the Filipino arts. “It is true that there are many Filipinos who are talented in the arts but only a few are worthy to be revered. Only a few pursue their noble mission as artists, which is to invaluably contribute to cultivating the country’s arts and culture. They shape the soul of the Filipino nation through their artistry. With their vision, creativity, and imagination, they serve as pillars in our society,” CCP chairperson Margie Moran-Floirendo said in her speech.

By virtue of the Presidential Proclamation 1390 signed last June 10, the following were declared National Artists:

DR GÉMINO H ABAD

Literature