In the Know: National Artist Award

The National Artist Award is the highest national recognition given to Filipinos who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts and letters. It was created through Presidential Proclamation No. 1001 on April 27, 1972.

Jointly administered by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the award is conferred by the Philippine President upon recommendation by both institutions.

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.

To date, there are 66 national artists, 24 of whom received the recognition posthumously, including renowned painter Fernando Amorsolo, who was the first to receive the award in 1972.

Criteria

The criteria for selecting a national artist include Filipino citizenship, the contribution of their works to nation-building, impact of their distinctive and pioneering works or styles on succeeding generations of artists, excellence in the practice of their art form which enriches artistic expression or style, and prestigious national and international recognitions.

The National Artist Award secretariat (the NCCA and CCP) announces the opening of nominations through media releases and letters to qualified organizations, such as government and nongovernment cultural organizations, educational institutions, and private foundations and councils.

The National Artist Award Panel of Experts and Jury of Experts, with the living national artists as automatic members, screen and deliberate on the nominees, after which a final list of recommendees is sent to the President for the issuance of proclamation.

Benefits

Aside from a gold-plated medallion minted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, national artists are given a lifetime emolument as well as material and physical benefits comparable in value to those received by the highest officials of the land, such as: a minimum cash award of P200,000 net of taxes for living awardees, and a minimum cash award of P150,000 net of taxes for posthumous awardees, which are payable to their legal heir/s; a minimum lifetime monthly stipend of P30,000; a life insurance coverage for awardees who are still insurable; state funeral benefits not exceeding P500,000; and a place of honor in state functions, national commemoration ceremonies and cultural presentations.–Inquirer Research

Sources: Official Gazette; ncca.gov.ph