Ten Filipinos from different fields of the arts have been named National Artists for 2025, earning the country’s highest recognition for contributions to Philippine arts and letters.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. formalized the conferment through Proclamation No. 1414, signed on September 1. Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez confirmed the announcement on Wednesday evening.
The new awardees are Nicanor Tiongson and Gregorio Brillantes for Literature; Imelda Cajipe Endaya and Nunelucio Alvarado for Visual Arts; Gabriel Formoso for Architecture; Rafael “Nonoy” Froilan for Dance; Maria Beatriz “Patis” Tesoro for Design; Armando “Bing” Lao for Film and Broadcast Arts; Teodoro Hilado for Theater; and Alfredo S. Buenaventura for Music.
Formoso, Brillantes, Lao and Hilado were honored posthumously.
Recognizing lasting contributions to Philippine culture
The Order of National Artists is given to Filipinos whose work has made a distinct and lasting contribution to the country’s cultural and artistic development.
The selection is handled through the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), which recommend candidates following a rigorous screening process.
The latest group comes three years after the previous National Artists were conferred in 2022. National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab once described the selection process as going “through the eye of a needle,” reflecting the level of scrutiny involved.
More than a title
The distinction comes with both formal recognition and lifetime benefits. National Artists receive the title and rank, a citation, a gold-plated medallion minted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and a Grand Collar during official ceremonies.
Under current NCCA guidelines, living recipients are entitled to a minimum P200,000 cash award, net of taxes, and a P50,000 monthly lifetime stipend. They may also receive up to P750,000 annually for medical and hospitalization expenses, along with life insurance coverage subject to applicable rules.
National Artists are also given a place of honor at state functions and national commemorations. Upon their death, they may be accorded a state funeral at government expense.
